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LEBANESE DELEGATION VISITS IUCN ELC
16 July 2004
 A high level delegation of Lebanese Members of Parliament, Judges, Government officials and academics has visited the IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC), Bonn as a part of a study tour to Germany. While visiting the ELC, presentations were made on the work of IUCN and the ELC, with a particular focus climate change, energy, renewables 2004, and international law and biodiversity, including the World Heritage Convention. The ELC was advised about many environmental initiatives in Lebanon, including the innovative Strengthening the Environmental Legislation Development and Application System in Lebanon (SELDAS) Project. The distinguished delegation included Mrs Samar Malek Azar, IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) Regional Vice Chair for West Asia. The tour was coordinated by longstanding CEL member, Dr Lothar Guendling and the ELC will be participating in a follow up visit to Lebanon in 2005.
For more information on the Lebanese Ministry for Environment click here.
For more information on the CEL Steering Committee click here.
For more information on renewables 2004 click here.
'WATER AS A HUMAN RIGHT?' AND THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
13 July 2004
 Formally acknowledging water as a human right could encourage the international community and governments to enhance their efforts to satisfy basic human needs and to meet the Millennium Development Goals. But critical questions arise in relation to a right to water. What would be the benefits and content of such a right? What mechanisms would be required for its effective implementation? Should the duty be placed on governments alone, or should the responsibility also be borne by private actors? Is another 'academic debate' on this subject warranted when action is really what is necessary? Without claiming to prescribe the answers, the latest IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) publication titled 'Water as a Human Right?' clearly and carefully sets out the competing arguments and the challenges. "In doing it has provided an excellent platform for critical thinking and informed debate" said Achim Steiner, IUCN Director General. 'Water as a Human Right?' was produced through the collaborative efforts of IUCN ELP staff, interns and volunteers, and benefited from being peer reviewed by experts from FAO and UNDP, which generously funded the publication.
To download a copy of 'Water as a Human Right?' click here.
For more information on IUCN ELP Publications click here.
A "Small Scale" Contribution
2 July 2004
 On 14 June 2004, the ELC was the venue for an informal discussion of 15 climate change and forestry experts from 14 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia on simplified modalities and procedures for small-scale afforestation and reforestation (SSAR) project activities under the clean development mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol, and the measures to facilitate the implementation of these project activities. The IUCN-UNEP-FAO pre-consultation resulted in some preliminary observations regarding the key negotiation points for SSAR project activities, and a consensus that simplified modalities and procedures alone would not enable implementation of these project activities under the CDM, to the detriment of the low income communities and individuals who are the intended beneficiaries of these projects. Technical assistance to the informal group of developing countries continued throughout SB 20, resulting in the production, at the group's request, of several informal technical papers. COP 10 of the UNFCCC, which will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 6 to 17 December 2004, is the target date for adopting decisions on the simplified modalities and facilitative measures for SSAR project activities.
Full story here.
For more information on the IUCN Environmental Law Programme's climate change-related work, click here.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: THE IUCN PROGRAMME 2005-2008
18 June 2004
 In five months time, IUCN members will convene in Bangkok, Thailand at the World Conservation Congress where they will consider and approve, among other important tasks, the IUCN Programme for the next four years. During the past 18 months, the IUCN Secretariat and Commissions worked extensively in all parts of the world with the Union’s members, partners and donors to develop the Programme. Plans were prepared for all Regional, Commission and Global Thematic Programmes. The IUCN Programme 2005–2008 builds on the framework of the 2001–2004 Programme approved in 2000 at the Amman World Conservation Congress. The directions set in that document have been refined and refocused, taking into account lessons learned as well as emerging issues and trends in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Download the IUCN Programme 2005-2008 (1,021 Kb) in English // Français // Español
A TRIBUTE TO PROF. NICHOLAS A. ROBINSON
16 June 2004
 Law for a Green Planet Institute, an IUCN Member, has used the occasion of the 8th International Conference on Environmental Law, "Wildlife Protection: Policy and Legal Instruments" to pay tribute to Prof. Nicholas Robinson for his "leadership in advancing environmental law for sustainable development". Prof. Robinson, serving his second term as Chair of the IUCN CEL, has driven many significant initiatives, including the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, the world's first global network of universities with the purpose of advancing environmental law. The conference also heard presentations from several IUCN CEL and ELC experts. The Conference was preceded by the Commission's first Steering Committee meeting for 2004 on 26-27 May in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Matters addressed included: reviewing resolutions from the 2nd IUCN World Conservation Congress; the IUCN ELP Component Programme Plan, Draft Operating Guidelines for CEL Specialist Groups, the outline for a CEL Strategic Plan for 2005-2008 and the draft mandate for 'centres of excellence'. A full summary of the meeting will be made available over the coming weeks.
For more information on CEL click here.
To link to Law for a Green Planet Institute click here.
AN INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
7 June 2004
 Over 2,500 participants from 154 countries reaffirmed their commitment to substantially increase the global share of renewable energy in the total energy supply at last week's International Conference for Renewable Energies (renewables 2004) held in Bonn, Germany from 1 - 4 June. IUCN Director General Achim Steiner addressed renewables 2004 during the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue from the perspective of the Scientific and Technological Community stakeholder group. In a busy week for IUCN, the Environmental Law Programme (ELP) hosted a side event on international law and the promotion of renewable energy together with the REILP and Adelphi Research and provided the only exhibit focused on law and renewable energy, distributing copies of "Energy Law and Sustainable Development" and the just released 2004 IUCN ELP Newsletter, which focuses on energy. Earlier in the week, IUCN's Environmental Law Centre, Bonn played host to the United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Fund for International Partnership's "Sustainable Energy Development Practitioners Conference" attended by over 40 energy experts from all over the world.
Full story here.
For more information on renewables 2004 click here.
For more information on the IUCN CEL Specialist Group click here.
LAWYERS AND CROCODILES
7 June 2004
 IUCN's Environmental Law Programme (ELP) was represented for the first time at the 17th biannual Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC's Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) held in Darwin last week. Retiring CSG chair Professor Harry Messel, Chair elect Graham Webb and other specialists indicated a strong interest in furthering ties between the ELP and these committed biologists. This year's CSG meeting addressed a wide range of issues including legal (compliance with CITES and national wildlife law), socio-legal ("human-wildlife conflict"), financial (sustainable wildlife trade) and sustainability (precaution, developments in the scientific use of crocodile physical characteristics and genetic material), as well as cutting edge issues of crocodilian biology. The ELP's ongoing work on international compliance, national legislation, wildlife trade and ABS, are all expected to provide the basis for valuable links between the two groups. A short paper presented by the IUCN ELC at this meeting is currently available online, with a more detailed summary to be posted within the next two weeks.
Link to the CSG website here.
For more information on the IUCN CEL Specialist Group click here.
IUCN ABS page here.
Link to CITES website here.
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
03 June 2004
 IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP), REILP and Adelphi Research have joined forces to explore the role of international law in the promotion of renewable energy at a side event held during the International Conference for Renewable Energies, Bonn. Leading speakers from around the world addressed a wide range of issues including what international laws cover renewables, the barriers these laws create, and how these barriers can be managed or removed to promote renewables. The side event identified a range of challenges and also recognised the importance of sharing knowledge and information, including on innovative legal approaches. The side event concluded that further studies were necessary to identify international legal principles that encourage the greater utilization of renewable energy and also those provisions that impede its use.
Side event programme and summary.
For more information on the IUCN CEL Climate and Energy Specialist Group click here.
For IUCN ELP Publications click here and ECOLEX click here.
For more information on the International Conference for Renewable Energies click here
ENERGY MOVES TO CENTRE STAGE
28 May 2004
 Energy for sustainable development is the focus of the 2004 IUCN Environmental Law Programme Newsletter, released this week. The Newsletter draws upon the latest thinking on the relevance of energy to conservation and to poverty eradication. It features extracts from papers delivered at the 1st IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Colloquium in Shanghai (November 2003) on a range of global and regional energy initiatives, and helps sets the stage for the 'renewable energy debate' at the International Conference for Renewable Energies (Bonn, 1 to 4 June 2004). The Newsletter also contains regular features, including latest developments from IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) recognised 'centres of excellence', CEL specialist groups, CEL members in the news, forthcoming events and a review of recent international conferences relevant to IUCN. The release of the Newsletter also coincides with the opening up of the IUCN/UNEP Judicial Portal to all CEL members. A free copy of the Newsletter will be sent out to all CEL members and friends of the ELC, and an electronic copy is available below.
Download a free copy of the 2004 IUCN ELP Newsletter here.
For more information on the International Conference for Renewable Energies click here.
Message from Justice Stein AM to CEL Members on the IUCN/UNEP Judicial Portal here.
More information on the IUCN/UNEP Judicial Portal click here.
Renewable Energy Promotion in China
25 May 2004
 At the request of a high level Chinese delegation charged with drafting legislation on renewable energy promotion for the Government of the People's Republic of China, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Energy Project of Pace Law School, and the Climate and Energy Specialist Group of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law held a roundtable meeting with the delegation on April 8, 2004 at the Pace University Midtown Center in New York City. The Chinese delegation heard presentations from top energy experts from the United Nations, U.S. government agencies and universities. The discussion with the Chinese delegation was lively, with many questions from its members such as about how to set standards, the effectiveness of different incentive programs and how to overcome the high initial costs of renewable energy.
To read the complete story, click here.
For more information on the Climate and Energy Specialist Group of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, click here.
WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS PREPARATIONS WELL UNDERWAY!
19 May 2004
 Preparations for the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress are well underway. Recent developments include: Online registration now being available! IUCN members and other invitees may register directly on the registration page. This is the first time that IUCN is offering this service through a carefully developed system that accommodates all the many and varied delegates of the Congress. IUCN Council has decided to put forward two very distinguished candidates for the position of IUCN President and an impressive list of names for the positions of Treasurer and Chairs of IUCN's Commissions. The response to the Call for Contributions to the Congress has surpassed all expectations, with an estimated 500 proposals for the World Conservation Forum having been received. IUCN Congress Secretariat is currently preparing responses to each proposal, with the benefit of an extensive review that was carried out in Bangkok last week.
To learn more about the Congress click here.
To find out more about candidates for election click here.
To register on line click here.
INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO THE UNITED NATIONS
27 April 2004
 Over 20 students from Pace and Yale Universities were welcomed to United Nations Headquarters during the first week of CSD 12. Students were briefed on the UN system and on IUCN's role as a Permanent Observer to the UN General Assembly. The visit was part of an ongoing process of involving students more actively in IUCN's work with the UN. IUCN's governing Council has requested the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law to provide expert assistance to IUCN's UN Observer Mission on matters of environmental law and diplomacy. The Commission, in turn, has determined that one way to provide this assistance is to engage two of IUCN's university members in close proximity to the UN Headquarters. Precedent for this approach is found in the European Community's Mission, which engages graduate students to attend UN meetings representing the European Community, as a part of its delegation. Post-graduate education can also be provided through the delivery of services to the Mission.
For more information on the UN click here.
WATER AND SANITATION - THE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIMENSION
23 April 2004
 How compatible are developing international trade and investment rules with the ability of countries to adopt strong domestic laws and policies for resource management, environmental protection and equitable access to water and sanitation? How do such rules recognise the need for adaptive management, in particular given the uncertainties surrounding global climate change? These questions and more were addressed in a side event held at CSD 12 on 22 April, New York, sponsored by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and IUCN. Leading experts addressed the experience gained to date in Mexico, a country dealing with global and regional trade agreements, and the potential ramifications of the General Agreement on Trade in Services on domestic legislation where State's commit to liberalising trade in environmental services.
Side Event agenda
Overview Document
Opening Remarks - Tracking the Linkages
Papers Presented: GATS, Water Services and Policy Options
Trade Negotiations: Their Relevance for Water, Sanitation and Sustainable Development
Strengthening Systemic Linkages
The Case in Mexico
Find link to ICTSD here.
IUCN PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS AT CSD-12 MEETING IN NEW YORK
21 April 2004
 What is vital for healthy functioning river systems and critical for achieving economic prosperity and the conservation of biodiversity? The answer, offered by IUCN at the meeting of the 12th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-12), is environmental flows. 'Environmental flows' means enough water is left in our rivers and is managed to ensure downstream environmental, social and economic benefits. Following a delegates debate on balancing water issues, IUCN held a highly interactive side event on Environmental Flows for Sustainable Development. Close to 60 participants discussed the importance of environmental flows for people and nature, considered experience already gained in achieving environmental flows, and explored the next steps in promoting and implementing environmental flows for sustainable development. IUCN's guide "Flow - The Essentials of Environmental Flows" that sets out the way to ensure the long-term prosperity and health of river basins throughout the world was also presented. CSD-12, held from 19-30 April in New York, focuses on water, sanitation and human settlements.
Full Programme here.
Link to ENB summary here.
'Flow: the essentials of environmental flows' Full version
Find IUCN's Water and Nature Initiative (WANI) here.
INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES WILL ENTER INTO FORCE IN JUNE
13 April 2004
 The conservation and sustainable use of "plant genetic resources for food and agriculture" (or "PGRFA") has long been recognised to be a very critical part of our global heritage - the key to the future of human life on earth. Efforts to ensure the continued vitality of PGRFA were enormously strengthened on 31 March by the announcement that eleven European countries, as well as Egypt and the EU (as a member organisation) have all ratified the International Treaty on PGRFA. This brings the total ratifications to 48, which is more than enough to trigger the 90 day process leading to the Treaty's entry into force on 29 June 2004. IUCN-Environmental Law Programme, through its Environmental Policy and Law series, is finalising a Guide to this Treaty, which will provide assistance to country parties in implementing their obligations under this instrument.
Full story
For more information on this treaty and the CGRFA click here.
To view current IUCN ELP Publications click here.
ARCTIC LEGAL REGIME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
6 April 2004
 'The fragile Arctic is under growing environmental stress. Accelerated resource extraction, industrial expansion and distant polluting activities threaten the ecological integrity of one of the world's last great wilderness area.' This is the opening statement of EPLP No 44, written in 2001 by Linda Nowlan for the IUCN ELP. The book, entitled 'Arctic Legal Regime for Environmental Protection', considers several key issues, including the current Arctic environmental legal regime, global treaties and agreements applicable to the Arctic, and the needs, as well as pros and cons, of developing a new and binding Arctic agreement on environment and sustainability. IUCN CEL considered it timely to review and update the conclusions of the study. A meeting of experts was held in Ottawa on March 24 and 25, with specialists from all eight Arctic countries. The experts participated in their personal capacity, but brought a wide range of perspectives: from governments, NGOs, Indigenous peoples organisations, and academia. A report summarizing the results of the meeting is being prepared for consideration by the Steering Committee of CEL, to guide its thinking on how it may play a useful role in the Arctic debate.
Download a copy of 'Arctic Legal Regime for Environmental Protection' here.
FOUR InWEnt RESEARCH FELLOWS JOIN IUCN ELC
5 April 2004
 IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC) is hosting four new Fellows sponsored by InWEnt, a non-profit organisation dedicated to international advanced training and human resource development headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The Fellows will work at ELC for a period of three months of research writing and experience-based training. They are Marianela Cedeño (Costa Rica), Hafiz Khan (Bangladesh), Viviane Ambare (Cameroun), and Dana Zhandayeva (Kazakhstan). The Fellows will each be working on a broad range of important topics, selected during the application process, including: Environmental impact assessment in the Meso American region; Applicability of equitable use and no harm principles to the Caspian sea; Environmental dispute resolution in Bangladesh; and Women in community forestry in Cameroun. InWEnt is seen as a natural fit with the IUCN Environmental Law Programme's (ELP) capacity building objectives and provides strong support to the ELP's efforts of promoting expertise in the fields of environment and natural resources management.
Find InWEnt here.
For more on the IUCN ELP Capacity Building click here.
EU FORUM OF JUDGES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ESTABLISHED
29 March 2004
 On 28 February last, the "EU Forum of Judges for the Environment - Forum de l'UE des juges pour l'environnement" was established. It is an international non-profit association according to Belgian law. The initiators are Guy Canivet, First President of the Supreme Court (France), Amedeo Postiglione, Justice at the Supreme Court (Italy), Lord Justice Robert Carnwath, Royal Courts of Justice (London), and Luc Lavrysen, Judge at the Court of Arbitration (Brussels). The Forum will be officially presented on 26 April next at the Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Thanks to the support of European Commissioner Margot Wallström and the Directorate-General for the Environment of the European Commission, some 50 judges and observers from the 15 current and 10 acceding Member States of the European Union could be invited. In addition, judges from the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights and from a few candidate Member States (Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey) were invited to attend the first general meeting.
Full story English / French / Dutch
London Judges Symposium - Rome Judges Symposium
For information on IUCN and the judiciary click here.
THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE IN NRM AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: SITUATION ANALYSIS AND CALL FOR CASE STUDY PROPOSALS
26 March 2004
 Tackling risk and uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of natural resource management (NRM) and conservation, and precaution has become a major (if contentious) approach in many areas, including fisheries, wildlife trade, forest management, and control of alien invasive species. The IUCN Environmental Law Centre is collaborating with IUCN Species Programme, the Regional Office for Southern Africa, TRAFFIC, and partners Fauna & Flora International and Resource Africa to increase understanding of the issues surrounding uncertainty and precaution in NRM and conservation, and develop "best-practice guidance" for implementing precaution in a way that respects both conservation and development priorities. A Situation Analysis examining the application and impacts of precaution in NRM and conservation has been developed and is open for input until end May. The partners are now seeking to commission case studies on the meaning, application and impacts of the precautionary principle in management of living natural resources or biodiversity conservation, and invite your proposals by end March 2004.
Full story
Situation Analysis
Call for case study proposals
For more information on the project click here.
MARINE LAW EXPERTS CONSIDER IMPROVED GOVERNANCE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
17 March 2004
 A two-day legal experts workshop, hosted by IUCN's Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation and the Total Foundation, was held in Malaga on 15-16 March. The discussions centered on ways in which to improve the protection of High Seas zones in the Mediterranean (representing 80% of the total ocean area) through closer cooperation between neighbouring states. One of the main themes was the harmonisation of high seas protection measures, such as the creation of marine protected areas and extension of fish protection zones beyond the existing 12 mile limit. The workshop was held in partnership with the IUCN Environmental Law and Marine Programmes.
Media release in French / Spanish
For more information on the workshop click here,
on the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation click here.
LIFETIME ACHIEVENT AWARD FOR JUSTICE (R) SALEEM AKHTAR
11 March 2004
 Pakistan Environmental Law Association (PELA) is holding its First Annual Seminar on Green Justice Through Public Interest Litigation at the Dr. Parvez Hassan Environmental Law Centre on 14 March 2004. The Seminar is co-sponsored by IUCN-Pakistan, WWF Pakistan and LEAD Pakistan. Highlights of the Seminar include conferring the PELA Lifetime Achievement Award on Justice (R) Saleem Akhtar who has so well served environmental protection and sustainable development including through his monumental judgment delivered ten years ago in Shehla Zia vs. WAPDA, which spawned environmental initiatives all over Pakistan. Mr. M.C. Mehta, from India, will keynote about his pioneering role in public interest litigation in India. The Seminar will show how the vision and advocacy of one individual and the innovative interpretation of the Constitution of Pakistan by another - in two different countries - improved the quest for environmental protection in both India and Pakistan.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS PARTNERS WITH IUCN ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
9 March 2004
 On 8 March 2004, the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law signed a publishing agreement with the Syndicate of the Press of the University of Cambridge, to publish the research works of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law. Prof. Nicholas A. Robinson, Chair of the IUCN Commission of Environmental Law, signed on behalf of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, with John Berger representing the Cambridge University Press, at the Pace University School of Law Center for Environmental Legal Studies. "Cambridge University Press has an outstanding set of publications in the field of environmental law," said Prof. Robinson at the signing ceremony. The IUCN Academy's first volumes, which Cambridge expects to publish in October of 2004, will be results of the Academy's pioneering research into the Law of Energy for Sustainable Development. These works were peer reviewed and presented at the 1st Colloquium of the Academy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, in Shanghai, China, on 4-8 November 2003.
Full story.
For more on the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law click here.
AN INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE REGIME FOR PROTECTED AREAS?
3 March 2004
 Is there an international governance regime for protected areas, and if so what is it? How are emerging issues such as: management effectiveness and standards, certification, new financial mechanisms, and new ways of creating and supporting partnerships, being addressed at the international level? These questions and more are addressed in the latest publication in the IUCN Policy and Law Series (Paper 49) produced by IUCN Environmental Law Programme. The publication, 'International Environmental Governance - An International Regime for Protected Areas', described by IUCN Director General Achim Steiner as providing "…an excellent platform for critical thinking and debate", collects a series of papers produced for the V IUCN World Parks Congress. IUCN is most grateful to Parks Canada for funding this research and the publication.
Down load a free copy of 'International Environmental Governance - An International Regime for Protected Areas' here.
For more information on IUCN ELP at the WPC click here.
NEW HEAD OF FAO's DEVELOPMENT LAW SERVICE APPOINTED
1 March 2004
 The IUCN Environmental Law Programme warmly congratulates Dr. Ali Mekouar on his appointment as Head of FAO's Development Law Service. Ali, a Moroccan citizen, is a long-time CEL member. He has been at FAO since 1988, and was formerly a professor at the Faculty of Law of Casablanca (Morocco). He has an extremely broad range of experience and knowledge, both in terms of subject matter (ranging across the full range of food and environment issues) and geographically (having provided technical assistance in dozens of countries around the globe, as well as lecturing, teaching and participating in expert scientific and technical conferences and forums on five continents.) Most recently, Ali was the 2003 recipient of the 2003 E Haub Prize for exceptional achievement in environmental law. He has written many highly respected books, papers, articles and other reports on environmental and natural resources law. Ali is stepping into the shoes of another long-time CEL member, Lawrence C. Christy, who retired last December after 25 years at FAO.
IUCN ELP COLLABORATION WITH US MEMBERS AND PARTNERS
27 February 2004
 The Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) Regional Vice Chair for North America, J. William Futrell organised a reception for IUCN and CEL members in Washington DC to meet with the Head of the Environmental Law Programme. He was recently in the US, with the Executive Director of the IUCN US Office, to progress collaborative endeavours with US members and partners in working with the judiciary, and on areas including compliance and enforcement, energy, marine and forestry issues. The visit also included meetings with the CEL Chair, Professor Robinson, and members in New York at the Centre for Environmental Legal Studies, Pace University, an IUCN Member. IUCN has many institutional members from US government agencies and non government organisations, and there are also close to 150 members of the Commission on Environmental Law from the US.
For more information on IUCN Members click here and on CEL Members click here.
SPECIALIST GROUP ON THE JUDICIARY ON THE MOVE
26 Februay 2004
 The IUCN Commission on Environmental Law Specialist Group on the Judiciary met from 15 to 18 February at Pace University School of Law in White Plains, New York. High on the agenda were discussions as to the preferred composition of the Group and its terms of reference. Among the many topics discussed was the planning for the North American Regional Judges Conference on Environmental Law scheduled for late November/early December 2004 in New York. Also planned were proposals for an environmental law forum on 17 November 2004 during the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Bangkok. The forum will include a wide range of speakers, including many judges from around the world. The intention is to draw wide attention to the crucial role of the judiciary in the field of environmental law and the need for national States to support judicial capacity building programmes, judicial independence and integrity.
Full story to be included in next IUCN ELP Newsletter, May 2004.
Se lanza la edición en español de la Guía Explicativa del Protocolo de Caratagena
25 February 2004
 La edición en español de la Guía Explicativa del Protocolo de Cartagena es lanzada hoy en la primera reunión de las Partes del Protocolo en Kuala Lumpur. El Protocolo, que entró en vigor en septiembre de 2003, es uno de los mas importantes tratados internacionales recientemente adoptados. El mismo señala el compromiso de la comunidad ínternacional para asegurar la transferencia, manejo y uso seguro de los organismos vivos modificados. La Guía procura convertir al Protocolo en un instrumento de facil acceso y ha demostrado ser una referencia de utilidad para aquellos involucrados en su implementacion. Esta publicacion es el fruto del trabajo del Centro de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN y FIELD, en colaboracion con el World Resources Institute. El libro se encuentra disponible en la serie de derecho y politica ambiental de la UICN. Las versiones en inglés, francés y ruso fueron ya presentadas este año.
English Version
For more information on the first Meeting of the Parties click here
Explanatory Guide to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Download complete text:
English ( 1,78 MB)
French ( 1,88 MB)
Spanish ( 5,57 MB)
Russian ( 8,07 MB)
NEW PROGRAMME ON TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
16 February 2004
 More than 2500 delegates from over 150 countries began deliberations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) last week, to address several of key themes ranging from mountains to oceans, and from tourism to target-setting. In the middle of these discussions one of the two "priority issues" in the meeting is "technology transfer." Since the mid-1980s, the need for transfer of technology for environmental protection, conservation and sustainable use has been formally recognized in the United Nations, but the current work in the CBD Conference of the Parties (COP) is the first time the issue has been addressed as an overarching priority. In looking to improve the way that countries provide and receive various kinds of hard and soft technology, the COP is clearing the way for a programme of work that can have far-reaching implications in virtually all issues, biomes, and activity areas in which the CBD operates.
Full story
For more on the CBD click here.
CAUDALES AMBIENTALES EN MOVIMIENTO
12 Febrero
 Unos 60 funcionarios de entidades del estado y organismos no gubernamentales se reunieron en San José, Costa Rica para analizar los diferentes aspectos concernientes al tema de “caudales ecológicos”. Esta actividad, que contó con la presencia de invitados extranjeros, fue organizado por la Iniciativa del Agua y Naturaleza para Mesoamérica, en el marco de su proyecto sobre caudales ambientales. El Dr. Alejandro Iza, del Centro de Derecho Ambiental, se refirió a los aspectos normativos de la regulación de los caudales ambientales y a las diferentes alternativas para su regulación legal. La Conferencia fue seguida por un taller donde ser trataron en detalle los aspectos legales, hidrológicos y socieconómicos, del cual surgieron importantes recomendaciones para la acción futura.
English Version
THE ABS PROJECT TO BE SHOWCASED AT CBD COP
11 February 2004
 The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation commits states to negotiate, within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and bearing in mind the Bonn Guidelines, "an international regime to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources". The ABS Project aims to provide factual and documented information about efforts taken to date, and the factors that have slowed and stopped progress. Findings made through the Project will be featured at a side event on 'Legal and Practical Issues in the Development, Negotiation and Implementation of an ABS Regime', to be held today during the CBD 7th Conference of the Parties, Kuala Lumpur.
Full story on side event
For more information on the ABS Project click here.
For more information on the CBD click here.
IUCN ELP AND FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL MEET IN BONN
5 February 2004
 IUCN Environmental Law Programme and the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) have met in Bonn to discuss areas of mutual interest between the FSC and the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL). Discussions centred around the role the CEL Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Law Specialist Group can play in providing independent expert advice on policies, systems and procedures regarding Local Communities and Indigenous peoples in forest certification. The meetings brought together senior representatives of the FSC, CEL and the IUCN Environmental Law Centre. The Deputy Chair of CEL, Professor Michael Jeffrey QC described the meetings as being most constructive and having set a very positive tone for input into areas of mutual interest.
For more on the FSC click here.
For more on IUCN CEL Specialist Groups click here.
COUNTDOWN 2010 - HALTING BIODIVERSITY LOSS ACROSS EUROPE
4 February 2004
 The goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 is the subject of several key international agreements. Amongst others, EU Heads of State committed themselves to this goal at the Gothenburg summit in 2001, and in the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development. The 'Countdown to 2010' initiative has a focus on commitments made at pan-European level by Environment Ministers at the 5th Environment for Europe Conference in May 2003 in Kiev. IUCN, given its unique scale, structure and affiliation, is in a position to play a leading role in generating impetus to meet this agreed goal. At the invitation of the IUCN Regional Office for Europe, the Head of Communications and Head of the Environmental Law Programme assisted the initiative take shape at the first meeting of the steering group held in Brussels on 2 February.
For more information on Countdown 2010 click here.
For more information on IUCN in Europe click here.
CEL REGIONAL VICE CHAIR AT IUCN ASIA REGIONAL CONSERVATION FORUM
13 January 2004
 IUCN CEL Regional Vice Chair for South East Asia, Prof. Koh Kheng Lian, attended the Asia Regional Conservation Forum hosted jointly by IUCN and the Government of Sri Lanka, in Colombo, on December 10-13 2003. The Forum aimed at identifying critical environmental and conservation issues facing the region as well as facilitating the co-ordination on how best to address these concerns. The focus of the Forum was on four main themes: From the Mountains to the Sea - how to manage ecosystems as landscapes; Conservation as a Poverty Reduction Strategy - supporting livelihoods and minimizing insecurity and vulnerability; Benefits Beyond Boundaries - how do we manage protected areas after World Parks Congress 2003; and The Failure of Cancun - trade globalization and poverty. With the input from IUCN Members, Commissions and Partners, the Asia Regional Conservation Forum shaped the new IUCN Conservation Agenda for Asia in the next five years.
Find out more about IUCN Asia here.
THE ABS PROJECT IN ACTION: PREPARING FOR THE GLOBAL ABS REGIME
18 December 2003
 Earlier this month the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) began the "next level" of negotiations regarding implementation of the concept of access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of the benefits from their utilisation (also known as ABS.) This current stage responds to the mandate of the last Conference of the Parties to the CBD and the CBD's Strategic Plan and Multi-year Programme of Work, as well as to the WSSD Programme of Implementation. Against this background, the ABS Project (a project of IUCN ELP, in conjunction with many partners, with funding by the German Ministry for Development (BMZ)), undertook a number of key activities, including (1) co-sponsorship with the University of Davis (USA) of a workshop addressing the ABS legislation and legislative needs of the Pacific Rim, (2) co-sponsorship with SPDA, INE and INRENA of a Latin American workshop on the concept of "certificates of origin" (or legal provenance) of genetic resources, and possible interfaces with CITES; and (3) formal participation in the CBD's Ad-hoc Working Group on Access and Benefit-sharing. All three events will ultimately produce major publications on various aspects of ABS.
Full Story. For more information on the ABS Project click here.
IUCN ACADEMY SECOND COLLOQUIM PLANS WELL UNDERWAY
16 December 2003
 "Plans for the Second Colloquium of the IUCN Academy to be held at the University of Nairobi from 4-10 October 2004 on 'Environmental Law and Land Use' are well advanced", said IUCN Commission on Environmental Law Chair, Professor Nicholas Robinson, following a meeting in Bonn with Professors Isaac Mbeche and Charles Okidi, University of Nairobi, Professor Lee Paddock, Pace University and staff of the IUCN Environmental Law Centre. The meeting dealt with all aspects of the event, including an exciting and forward looking programme, one that will address critical land use issues such as agriculture, ecosystems and human settlements. Ethical issues will also be a feature. A draft programme will be released early next year, and a call for papers has already been distributed. While in Bonn, the University was presented with a complimentary set of IUCN ELP and other publications for the Universities Centre for Advanced Studies on Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP) Library.
For more information on the IUCN Academy click here
IUCN ELP SUBMITS COMPONENT PROGRAMME PLAN FOR 2005-2008
15 December 2003
 Following an extensive process of consultation with IUCN Members active in environmental law, IUCN Commission on Environmental Law members, IUCN staff (in Headquarters, regional and country offices) and Commission Focal Points, the IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) has submitted its Component Programme Plan for 2005-2008. This Plan describes the comparative advantages, niche, vision, goals, objectives and key result areas for the Programme. It also provides a brief situation analysis, a description of the Programme and outlines the priority treaties, thematic areas and cross cutting areas for the Programme over the next Intersessional Period. The Plan will now go through a process of internal review before being presented to the 3rd World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Bangkok in November 2004. The Co-Chairs of the ELP Programme Planning Team expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to the development of this joint plan.
IUCN ELP Component Programme Plan 2005-2008
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
For more information on the WCC click here.
THE "SECOND GENERATION" IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION
15 December 2003
 What is the "second generation" in environmental laws? What was the "first generation"? How do we get from first to the second generation? These are some of the questions that the IUCN Environmental Law Programme's latest publication "Towards a 'Second Generation' in Environmental Laws in the Asian and Pacific Region (Select Trends) attempts to explore. The book contains "thought pieces" prepared by experts belonging to the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law and the IUCN Environmental Law Centre, which were first presented at the IUCN/Institute for Global Environmental Strategies/Asian Development Bank symposium held in Tokyo, Japan on 11 November 2002. The publication was officially released at the launch of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law in Shanghai.
To obtain a copy of the publication click here.
To find out more about recent releases by IUCN ELP click here.
DEVELOPING AN INTERNATIONAL REGIME ON FAIR AND EQUITABLE BENEFIT SHARING FROM GENETIC RESOURCES
5 December 2003
 From 1-5 December 2003, the Second Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing is meeting in Montreal to take forward the mandate adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, which called for the development of an international regime on fair and equitable benefit sharing arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. This mandate is meant to build on the Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising out of their Utilization, adopted by the Sixth meeting of the Conference of Parties of he Convention on Biological Diversity in 2002 in The Hague.
Full Story
Background documents are available here.
MAKING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS WORK FOR BIODIVERSITY
4 December 2003
 Experts from more than a dozen countries gathered in Singapore to debate the relationship between "Intellectual Property and Biological Resources" - with a focus on issues such as owning intellectual property in modified living things, the relationship between the CBD and the TRIPS agreement, legal protection for biotechnological innovations, and concerns of local and indigenous communities and developing countries. The discussions were intended to lead to answers on whether the future holds an equitable compromise on intellectual property and biological resources. The Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), an IUCN Member, co-organized the conference with three Singapore institutions, and in partnership with IUCN-CEL, the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law and the Macquarie University Centre for Environmental Law. IUCN's ELP was well represented at the conference, with four CEL members presenting papers and the Head of the Regional ELP, Asia participating in the concluding Roundtable. Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Law & Home Affairs opened the conference.
Find the programme here.
For more information on APCEL click here on MU-CEL click here and IUCN in Asia click here.
ECOLEX - A GATEWAY TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
2 December 2003
 ECOLEX, a joint initiative of IUCN, UNEP and FAO to build capacity by providing the most comprehensive global source of environmental law worldwide, has been re-launched in Rome at the FAO General Conference. The 'new' ECOLEX represents the first step towards allowing users to undertake a common search of all of the data bases of IUCN (ELIS), FAO (FAOLEX) and UNEP. Through a single search users will now be able to access bibliographic and analytical information on multilateral legal instruments, national legislation, soft law, judicial decisions, law and policy literature and more for selected subject areas and key words. Combining the data of IUCN and UNEP through ECOLEX was mandated by the Governing Council of UNEP in 1995, and the initiative was subsequently joined by FAO. The IUCN Environmental Law Centre, Bonn provides the Management Unit for ECOLEX.
Full Story
For more on ECOLEX click here. To link to ECOLEX click here.
AVANCES DE LA EIA EN CENTROAMERICA
30 November 2003
 La última reunión del año del Comité Técnico de EIA de Centroamérica se realizó en San José de Costa Rica a fines de noviembre. Los miembros del Comité presentaron los avances en materia de EIA en sus respectivos países y trabajaron en cuestiones de interés regional tales como la elaboración de una lista taxativa aplicable a nivel regional. Esta lista constituye el primer paso hacia la elaboración de un acuerdo en materia de EIA para la región. Hubieron además presentaciones y discusiones sobre temas de interés regional como el Tratado de Libre Comercio con los Estados Unidos. El Programa de Derecho Ambiental de UICN, a través de un Proyecto BMZ ha dado apoyo a la región y a su proyecto sobre EIA. En esta ocasión, el Dr. Alejandro Iza, del Centro de Derecho Ambiental, participó en la reunión y propuso algunas recomendaciones respecto de las listas taxativas en un contexto de EIA regional y transfronterizo.
English version
PROMOTING 'ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS' IN SRI LANKA
28 November 2003
 IUCN Sri Lanka has organised and hosted a meeting of officials from the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the Kala Oya Basin Secretariat and The World Bank to discuss the concept of 'environmental flows' and to introduce the IUCN publication 'Flow: the essentials of environmental flows'. The meeting heard presentations on the various assessment options that are available to determine an 'environmental flow' and the hydrological aspects of providing a regime for such flows, from Chaminda Rajapakse from IUCN WANI (Asia) and Vladimir Smakhtin from the International Water Management Institute. The Head of the IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) was invited to the meeting to present on 'environmental flows' in the context of integrated water resources management and river basin organisations. The outcomes of this highly successful meeting will be followed through by IUCN Sri Lanka over the coming months. IUCN WANI and IUCN ELP released the world's first comprehensive guide to environmental flows in August this year and have been actively engaged in promoting the concept in selected countries and river basins since that time.
For more on IUCN Sri Lanka click here, IUCN WANI click here, and IUCN ELP Water and Wetlands click here.
'RIBBON LAUNCH' OF IUCN ACADEMY AT APCEL IP CONFERENCE
27 November 2003
 After the highly successful launch and inaugural colloquium of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law in Shanghai, China, a 'ribbon launch' will take place in Singapore, on November 30th. The launch will be hosted by the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental law of the National University of Singapore (APCEL), an IUCN Member. Following the Academy's 'ribbon launch', APCEL, the first 'centre of excellence' recognized by the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, will also hold a Conference on Intellectual Property and Biological Resources from 1-3 December. The Academy's launch and the Conference bring together a distinguished panel of speakers to address the complex issues arising from the conflict between the protection of biodiversity and the ownership of biodiversity-related knowledge. The topics at the Conference seek to bring to the participants the full range of the influences upon the two areas of the law and the challenges faced in the attempt to bridge the gap between them.
For more information on the IUCN Academy click here and APCEL click here.
CONNECTING IUCN's GLOBAL, REGIONAL AND COUNTRY STAFF LAWYERS
21 November 2003
 IUCN staff lawyers in Asia, based in IUCN Country Offices in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, gathered in Bangkok for a three-day intensive orientation on IUCN's approach to environmental law - the first such gathering of what will become an annual event. IUCN's Global Environmental Law Programme (ELP) provided funding to the Regional ELP, Asia, to organize the workshop under its 'Regionalization Programme' and a Legal Officer from IUCN's Environmental Law Centre, Bonn was one of the resource persons. Participants were provided with a Resource Book and CD, which included IUCN General Assembly/World Conservation Congress (WCC) resolutions, policy statements approved by Council, IUCN policy briefs, links to environmental law-related internet resources, and background notes on the whole range of issues in IUCN's Programme. Using these resources, publications from IUCN's Environmental Policy & Law Paper series and other IUCN programmes, the lawyers analyzed laws from their own countries. With the Asia Regional Conservation Forum coming up in December 2003, and the WCC to be held in Asia in 2004, the lawyers also spent time comparing their draft country programmes with the draft regional and global programmes.
For more on what IUCN is doing in Asia click here.
IUCN CEL 'CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE' EXPANDED
11 November 2003
 At its Steering Committee meeting held in Shanghai from 2-4 November 2003, IUCN's Commission on Environmental Law agreed to recognize new 'centres of excellence' in Botswana - at the University of Botswana, Costa Rica - at the University of Costa Rica, China - at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University and South Africa - at the University of Natal. This brings to 13 the number of centres recognized by IUCN CEL, since APCEL was opened as the first 'centre of excellence' at the National University of Singapore in February 1996. IUCN CEL also agreed to develop a uniform 'Charter' for IUCN CEL Recognized Centres of Excellence, the draft of which will be further consulted on before being finalized. The recognition of IUCN CEL 'centres of excellence' helps progress Agenda 21 and IUCN's statutory objective to build alliances and expert networks for conservation.
For more information on IUCN CEL 'centres of excellence' click here
IUCN ACADEMY TAKES NEXT STEPS
11 November 2003
 Following a highly successful launch and first colloquium of the IUCN Academy, professors from 35 countries representing 75 universities, gathered in Shanghai to institutionalize the Academy and its rules and procedures. By including the apologies extended to the meeting from many universities, this number increases to over 100 universities from 50 countries. There were constructive and fruitful discussions on many issues, such as the location and theme for the Annual Colloquia for 2004-2008, Academy membership, and the development of its research and teaching programmes. Several committees were created to take issues forward to the next IUCN CEL Steering Committee Meeting in Brazil in late May 2004, and from there to the first meeting of the IUCN Academy Executive Committee. The meeting agreed that the 2004 Colloquium will be held at the University of Nairobi, Kenya from 4-8 October 2004 on the topic of Environmental Law and Land Use.
For more information on the IUCN Academy click here
IUCN CEL STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS IN SHANGHAI
11 November 2003
 IUCN's Commission on Environmental Law met in Shanghai from 2-4 November. The meeting was joined by a number of active CEL members who were in Shanghai for the launch of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law. The Commission addressed a very full agenda, which included: a rich discussion on the draft IUCN ELP Component Plan 2005-2008, the development of an IUCN ELP Strategic Plan, reports from Regional Vice Chairs and Specialist Groups, feedback on the IUCN World Parks Congress, the development of a 'Charter' for IUCN CEL recognized Centres of Excellence, the recognition of new 'centres of excellence', and preparations for the next World Conservation Congress. The Steering Committee also unanimously resolved to put forward Professor Koh Kheng Lian to Council as its nominee for the next Chair of CEL, and to accept the invitation of Law for a Green Planet Institute to hold its first Steering Committee for 2004 in Brazil, just before the 8th International Conference on Environmental Law. A full report will be available in coming weeks.
For more information on IUCN CEL click here
UN SECRETARY GENERAL WELCOMES IUCN ACADEMY
4 November 2003
 The initiative of IUCN to establish the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law has been welcomed by UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan in a message sent to the inauguration of the IUCN Academy being held in Shanghai. "Agenda 21 recommended strengthening the law for environment and development, and called on universities in particular to cooperate in building capacity in the realm of environmental law. That call was repeated last year in the Plan of Implementation adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg…I would like to congratulate all academic leaders assembled at Shanghai Jiao Tong University for their role in making possible the launch of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law. IUCN's Commission on Environmental Law has rendered an important service in implementing Agenda 21's recommendations…" said Annan. See full story below.
Full Statement from the UN Secretary General here.
IUCN LAUNCES IUCN ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW- A WORLD FIRST
4 November 2003
 The first-ever Academy of Environmental Law, a global network and forum for universities to achieve higher standards in environmental legal education and research worldwide has been launched today. The IUCN Academy, which will bring together leading universities in all fields of environmental law, will convene annual colloquia; promote research on cutting-edge environmental issues; and facilitate cooperation among participating universities. To date, 45 universities from 45 countries have supported the initiative. "IUCN is privileged to convene the world's foremost academics in environmental law under this new endeavour, which implements recommendations made in Agenda 21," said Professor Nicholas A. Robinson, Chair of IUCN CEL. The inaugural Colloquium is being hosted from 4-6 November by China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University on the topic of 'The Law of Energy for Sustainable Development'. "What better place to launch the IUCN Academy and its first Colloquium on sustainable energy law than in China, where decisions made today will affect the future of the fastest-growing continent and indeed the whole world." said IUCN Director General Achim Steiner in a video address to the Colloquium delegates.
IUCN Media Release
Statement from the UN Secretary General
Statement from IUCN Director General
For more information on the IUCN Academy click here.
ASPECTOS JURIDICOS DE LA GESTION DE AGUAS EN ESPAÑA E IBEROAMERICA
30 de Octubre de 2003
 El IV Simposio Internacional sobre Legislación y Derecho Ambiental tuvo lugar en Madrid del 23 al 26 de Octubre. Organizado por el Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Madrid (ICAM) en el marco de su Programa Iberoamericano en Derecho Ambiental, el simposio de este año se centró en "Gestión de Aguas: Legislación, Casos y Jurisprudencia". Se trataron diversos temas, entre ellos, tramas ecológicas en cauces hidrográficos, humedales en peligro, repercusiones de grandes represas, instrumentos fiscales, zonificación de aguas subterráneas y acceso al agua potable. Por las tardes se desarrollaron mesas de trabajo y foros para el debate. El Dr. Alejandro Iza, del Centro de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN, presentó el trabajo titulado "Aguas de Transición y Caudales Ecológicos". El V Simposio, que versará sobre "Suelos y Urbanismo", tendrá lugar en Madrid del 21 al 23 de octubre de 2004. Para mayor información sobre este evento rogamos dirigirse: Dra. Silvia Jaquenod de Zsögön, ICAM Departamento de Derecho Ambiental, Serrano Nº 11 - 4a Planta, 28001 Madrid, España (Tel: +34-91-435 78 10 Extensión 814 y 816; zsogon@iies.es).
Para acceder al texto del trabajo "Aguas de Transición y Caudales Ecológicos" haga un click aquí.
English version
IUCN, UNEP AND FAO FACILITATE WORKSHOPS IN PREPARATION FOR UNFCCC COP 9
29 October 2003
 IUCN, together with UNEP and the FAO, recently facilitated two regional meetings to assist the Asian and African groups in preparing for the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. The "Regional Workshop on Forests and Climate Change: Preparing for Decisions on Land Use and Forestry at COP 9" was held from 16 to 17 October in Manila, Philippines. It brought together representatives from 16 Asian countries to informally discuss the issues under negotiation in relation to modalities and procedures for afforestation and reforestation activities under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. The "UNFCCC African Group preparatory meeting for COP9 on LULUCF [Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry]" was held on 23 October in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Representatives from 32 African countries participated in this meeting, which was followed by a daylong internal meeting of the African group. These workshops are part of the IUCN-UNEP-FAO partnership for environmentally sound and socially equitable carbon sequestration.
Full story
ALI MEKOUAR RECIPIENT OF 2003 E. HAUB PRIZE
28 October 2003
 IUCN warmly congratulates Ali Mekouar on being awarded the 2003 E Haub Prize for exceptional achievement in environmental law. Ali was a pioneer of environmental law in his home country of Morocco, where he made it one of the highlights of his university teaching. He also created the Moroccan Association for Environmental Law at a time when such associations were almost non existent in the world. Ali has devoted his efforts to the development of environmental law in the developing world, and more particularly, in Africa. Ali joined the FAO legal division in 1988. "Men like Ali Mekouar have made environmental law what it is today, an important legal discipline, and an essential asset for development. Let us thank him for his vision, for his faith in his work and for his achievements, and let us thank him for being an example for all of us and future generation of environmental lawyers to follow." said Dr Wolfgang Burhenne at the award giving ceremony in Brussels.
Find the full speech of Dr Wolfgang Burhenne here
IUCN ELC WELCOMES ITS FIRST FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR
24 October 2003
 Nicole Harkin, a 2nd year Pace University environmental law student and recipient of a Fulbright student grant, has joined the IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC) for 12 months. While working at the ELC, Nicole will examine German land use law as it relates to U.S. urban sprawl and energy consumption. She proposes to study the German system of dealing with environmental problems through the viewfinder of their land use controls on the local, state, and federal levels. Nicole is also the Chairperson of the 2003 National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, is a legal intern with the Environmental Litigation Clinic, and studied comparative environmental law in Brazil. Nicole hails from Kalispell, Montana and attended college at Purdue University, studying Political Science, German and Geology. The Fulbright is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by the U.S. government, enabling students to gain international experience and develop international competence in an era of increasing global interdependence.
For more information on IUCN ELC fellowships and internships click here
JUDGES FROM EAST AND WEST AFRICA MEET IN NAIROBI
22 October 2003
Honourable Chief Justices and senior judges from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia and Uganda met in Nairobi, Kenya on 10-11 October 2003 at the UNEP Chief Justices Meeting of East and West African Countries under the chairmanship of the Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Justice Johnson Evan Gicheru. The purpose of the meeting was to develop national, sub-regional and regional programmes of work for the implementation of the UNEP Global Judges Symposium, within the framework of subsequent Governing Council decisions. Dr Eldad Tukahirwa, IUCN Regional Director for Eastern Africa, attended the meeting for IUCN as apart of the ongoing collaboration between UNEP and IUCN in working with the judiciary.
Find the 'Nairobi Statement' adopted at the October 10-11 meeting here
For more information on international initiatives to engage the judiciary click here
MANEJO SUSTENTABLE DE HUMEDALES EN AMERICA LATINA
10 October 2003
 El Programa de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN (PDA), a través del Centro de Derecho Ambiental y varios miembros de la Comisión de Derecho Ambiental, participó en el Seminario Internacional sobre Manejo Sustentable de Humedales de América Latina, organizado por la Fundación Proteger en la ciudad de Paraná, Argentina. Este evento, que reunió a más de 600 personas, contó con la presencia de expertos nacionales, invitados extranjeros, autoridades locales, provinciales y nacionales. Los paneles trataron diversos temas, desde el manejo de cuencas, hasta la valoración económica y los corredores. El PDA tuvo una activa participación en el panel de legislación y políticas públicas, donde Alejandro Iza realizó una presentación sobre manejo de ecosistemas y caudales ecológicos. Además organizó un taller sobre cuestiones jurídicas e institucionales del cual surgieron importantes recomendaciones para el futuro.
Para mayor información sobre este evento click aquí.
English version
GESTION AMBIENTAL DE LAS AGUAS EN ARGENTINA
10 October 2003
 En el marco de un proyecto de colaboración entre FARN (Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales) y el Centro de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN se realizó en Buenos Aires el último de una serie de talleres sobre presupuestos mínimos de legislación ambiental. Concurrieron a este taller representantes de diversos sectores del gobierno, ONGs, el sector privado y académico para debatir sobre la Ley 25.688 de Gestión Ambiental de Aguas. La discusión se centró en temas críticos de aplicación de esta norma, tales como la distribución de competencias entre la Nación y las Provincias y la creación de comités de cuenca. Sin embargo, incluyó además otros temas vinculados con la preservación y el uso racional de las aguas como son la protección de los acuíferos, la regulación de caudales y la dimensión transfronteriza de la gestión del recurso.
Para ver las conclusiones de los talleres de presupuestos mínimos click aquí.
English version
IUCN AT UN: NEED FOR GREATER RECOGNITION OF CONSERVATION ROLE IN POVERTY ERADICATION
9 October 2003
 Professor Nicholas Robinson, Chair of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, represented IUCN before the 2nd Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, during its opening session in New York. The 2nd Committee is responsible for addressing economic and social issues before the General Assembly, including the implementation of the Rio Earth Summit and Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development recommendations. This year the 2nd Committee is looking into international trade and development, women in development, energy, desertification, the Convention on Biological Diversity, climate change, mountains, Agenda 21 implementation, implementation of the UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, and the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, amongst other topics.
Full story
Full IUCN Statement
2nd Committe of the UN General Assembly
Vth IUCN World Parks Congress
IUCN COMMISSION CHAIRS: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
8 October 2003
The time has come around again to invite nominations from the members of IUCN's Commissions for the Chair of their Commission. By way of explanation for those who are new to the process, the IUCN Council puts forward nominations to the IUCN World Conservation Congress for Commission Chairs after having considered the proposals made by the IUCN members and by the members of each Commission. While some Commissions have internal search processes underway, Commission members may also submit nominations directly to the Director General. It is important to note that even if the current Commission Chair is eligible to stand for a second term, a new nomination must be made. The Chair of the IUCN Commission Environmental Law is completing his second term and is not eligible to stand again. A letter from the IUCN Director General to all Commission members further explaining the process can be downloaded here in English, French and Spanish.
JUECES Y FISCALES DE AMERICA LATINA SE REUNEN EN BUENOS AIRES
8 Octubre 2003
 Como parte del Programa Aplicación y Cumplimiento de la Normativa Ambiental, la FARN (Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales), junto al PNUMA, al Instituto del Banco Mundial y al Instituto Derecho por un Planeta Verde, organizó en Buenos Aires un Simposio de Jueces y Fiscales. Durante tres días, los participantes (jueces, fiscales y expertos en derecho ambiental de América Latina y los Estados Unidos) se reunieron en plenarios y talleres para analizar, discutir y proponer soluciones a algunos de los problemas más críticos de la aplicación de la normativa ambiental en Latinoamérica. El Programa de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN, como miembro del Grupo Asesor, participó en este evento. El Dr. Alejandro Iza del Centro de Derecho Ambiental de la UICN presentó el Portal Judicial de UICN y PNUMA, lanzado en el Simposio del PNUMA sobre Jueces en la Cumbre de Johannesburgo.
Para mayor información sobre este evento click aquí.
English version
IUCN CEL MEMBERS PORTAL LAUNCHED: A FIRST FOR IUCN
1 October 2003
 The IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC), Bonn has now compiled and printed the updated IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) Directory and distributed a copy to all CEL Members. The release of this updated CEL Directory coincides with the launch of the highly innovative CEL Members Portal, a first for IUCN. The CEL Members Portal has been developed by the ELC to assist CEL Members to update their own contact and other details directly via the Internet. The Portal is assessable by all CEL Members by password and will be used as the 'master' copy of CEL Members contact and other details. It will be for each CEL Member to keep their details up to date. Through the Portal CEL Members will now be able to search for fellow Members by region, country, CEL Specialist Group or nominated area of expertise. Passwords have been sent to all CEL Members with their copy of the updated CEL Directory, and support will be provided by the ELC to those Members who do not have ready access to the Internet. The Portal is assessable via the IUCN ELP Website. For more information contact the ELP Webmistress, Anni Lukács.
Vth IUCN WORLD PARKS CONGRESS A HUGE SUCCESS
22 September 2003
 The Vth IUCN World Parks Congress, held in Durban, South Africa from 8-17 September has been hailed a great success. The Congress, 'Benefits Beyond Boundaries', succeeded in addressing protected areas and biodiversity conservation in the context of the Millennium Development Goals, the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and sustainable development more generally. On the final day, Congress participants adopted by acclamation the Durban Accord and the Message to the CBD CoP 7, and noted and acknowledged the Durban Plan of Action and the Recommendations adopted through the various Workshop Streams. Copies are available in the three Congress languages on the IUCN WPC website. IUCN ELP contributed to both the substance and the smooth running of the event, with substantive contributions being made on International environmental agreements (global and regional), globalisation and decentralisation, high seas, financial instruments, mining and protected areas, and the Africa Convention. IUCN ELP also led the Secretariat input into the Governance Workshop Stream.
For more information on the IUCN ELP at the WPC click here and for more information on the WPC generally click here.
A WATER LAW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA
15 September 2003
 The IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) has used the occasion of the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress being held in Durban, South Africa, to announce the first CEL regional 'centre of excellence' in Africa. The Mandela Institute, School of Law, University of Witwatersrand, is being specifically recognised by CEL as a 'centre of excellence' in water law, a first for CEL. Commencing in 2004 the centre will be hosting certificate and Masters level courses in water law, designed for African lawyers and non lawyers. In announcing the 'centre of excellence' Professor Robinson praised the University for undertaking this initiative, which now joins a network of CEL recognised centres from across the globe. Professor Robyn Stein expressed great thanks to IUCN for all of its support and described the centre as representing a major capacity building initiative for Southern Africa. The centre will be officially launched at the University in November this year. The establishment of the centre has obtained strong support and endorsement from the South African Minister of Water Resources and Forestry, Ronnie Kasrils MP and the Food and Agriculture Organisation - Legal Office.
To find out more about CEL 'centres of excellence' click here.
CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ENTERS INTO FORCE
11 September 2003
 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety enters into force today, 90 days after the ratification of Palau on June 13, 2003. The Protocol was adopted in January 2000 in Montreal, at an extraordinary COP of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It sets out the first comprehensive global regulatory system of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Its aims are to ensure the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs, with a specific focus on transboundary movements. The Protocol deals primarily with GMOs which are to be intentionally introduced into the environment (such as seeds, trees or fish) and with genetically modified agricultural commodities (such as corn and grain used for food, animal feed, or processing). IUCN Environmental Law Centre, Bonn in partnership with FIELD, has produced an Explanatory Guide to the Biosafety Protocol, which was released in English on May 22, 2003. The French version of the Guide is being released in electronic form on the occasion of the entry into force of the Protocol. The French version has been made possible by contribution from the French, Swiss and Canadian Governments. A Russian version will be available soon, and will be followed by the publication of the Guide in Spanish before the end of the year.
Full Story. Guide to the Cartagena Protocol English/French.
THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO DRYLAND MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY AND LIVELIHOOD SECURITY
10 September 2003
 With a session of the Global Biodiversity Forum and the launching of two IUCN publications, the Union further promoted the application of the ecosystem approach at Sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in La Habana, Cuba. IUCN Environmental Law Centre represented by Ms Tomme Young and Dr Alejandro Iza, provided technical legal support to the IUCN delegation. Dr Iza highlighted the necessity to adopt new or strengthen existing legal frameworks in areas such as water resources, soil degradation and land uses. IUCN renewed its intention to contribute as a strategic partner to the implementation of the UNCCD.
View the IUCN statement to the COP here.
DRAFT IUCN ELP COMPONENT PROGRAMME PLAN RELEASED FOR COMMENT
5 September 2003
 Every three to four years the IUCN Membership comes together at the IUCN World Conservation Congress to, amongst many other matters, approve the next IUCN Intersessional Programme. IUCN is currently developing a draft Programme to present to the membership, and each component programme is doing likewise. This process involves the active engagement of IUCN Members and Commissions. In late August a joint planning team, comprising IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) members, representatives of IUCN Members and staff of the IUCN Environmental Law Centre, met in Bonn to develop a draft IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) Component Programme Plan to put out for consultation (see full story below). Component plans must comply with Guidelines that have been issued by IUCN, and comments should therefore take into account this framework. The ELP would welcome comments on the draft ELP Component Plan by Friday 17 October 2003. Please address your comments to Jil Self at jself@elc.iucn.org with the subject header 'ELP Plan Comments'. All comments will be considered by the ELP Planning Team at the CEL Steering Committee meeting to be held in Shanghai, China in the first week of November.
Draft ELP Plan, Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 4, Appendix 5
IUCN draft Global Situation Analysis
IUCN draft Programme
IUCN Planning Guidelines
LAW AND INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
2 September 2003
 IUCN's Environmental Law Programme and FAO's Legal Office have joined forces to present a series of lectures on 'Law, Ethics and Politics' at the 'Integrated Water Resources Management' (IWRM) course being conducted this week by the Swiss Centre of Hydrogeology, University of Neuchatel, Switzerland. The course, which has attracted high level participants from across the globe, addresses applied IWRM from environmental, economic and social perspectives. It also analyzes how implementing IWRM can help attain the Millennium Development Goals relating to water and sanitation. FAO introduced participants to key principles of International and national water law. IUCN then presented an overview of how 'environmental flows' are being tackled in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia and a case study on river basin organizations. Participants were also given a copy of IUCN's groundbreaking publication 'Flow: the essentials of environmental flows'.
Find University of Neuchatel here. Programme.
Murray Darling Basin Initiative: Overview, Environmental Flows, Trade in Water.
Download a free copy of 'Flow: the essentials of environmental flows' here (1,374KB).
GLOBALIZATION AND DECENTRALISATION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PROTECTED AREAS?
26 August 2003
 We are all experiencing the impacts of globalization, no matter where we are. At the same time there is an increasing push for greater decentralization of authority. How are these trends and tensions manifesting themselves in the context of protected areas? How have different countries attempted to manage these trends and tensions through legal frameworks - or failed to do so - in the context of protected areas? On the morning of 12th September highly regarded speakers from six countries will gather in Durban to present their own perceptions on these critical questions and share their ideas on where we are headed over the next ten years. The views of the speakers will not be allowed to stand unchallenged - they will be put to the test by an expert panel together with all session participants in a lively interactive session that will follow the presentations.
Programme. Speakers notes: Brazil, Costa Rica (English/Spanish), Peru, Philippines, South Africa, USA
IUCN ELP PLANNING FOR BANGKOK
2004 UNDERWAY
22 August 2003
 IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) has embarked on a co-ordinated and collaborative planning process in the lead up to the next IUCN World Conservation Congress (Bangkok, November 2004). At the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) Steering Committee meeting held in the Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine in May 2003 CEL and the Head of the IUCN ELP agreed to undertake a co-ordinated joint CEL/ELC planning process for the development of a single IUCN ELP Component Programme Plan for the next IUCN Intersessional period and to establish a Core IUCN ELP Programme Planning Team consisting of members of the Steering Committee and the IUCN Environmental Law Centre (ELC) for this purpose (see full story). The planning team met for the first time at the ELC Bonn, from 18-19 August, together with invited guests, Professor Alexandre Kiss and Professor Alfred Rest, during which it agreed a draft plan. This plan will soon be released for direct consultation with IUCN non governmental Members with 'environmental law' as their principal objective, IUCN Commission on Environmental Law Members, IUCN Commission Focal Points, and the IUCN Secretariat (Headquarters and Regional and Country Offices), before being further considered in November in Shanghai.
Full story
AN "INTERNATIONAL REGIME FOR ACCESS AND BENEFIT-SHARING"
18 August 2003
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