Towards a global legal framework in harmony and peace with nature

Since 1972 when modern environmental law can be said to have had its beginnings to the present day, there have been grave threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss, rise in seal-levels, population growth, that have had negative impacts on sustainable development in all its facets: economic, social, ecological to name a few. There is beginning to be a realization that the planet is no longer to be exploited to the hilt but rather our common home deserving of respect and protection, that we should live in harmony with Nature. This paradigm shift reconsiders human interactions with Nature. That there should evolve an ‘Earth Jurisprudence’ which complements human rights and acknowledges the fundamental legal rights of ecosystems and species to exist, thrive and regenerate.

The year 2022 marks fifty years since the emblematic 1972 UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. States have the unique opportunity to further policies and laws that can guide the international community through the current issues that threaten the planet and lives therein. It is imperative that states help shape the future of global environmental governance. It is time to live in harmony and peace with Nature and the 2022 Political Declarations and legal frameworks aligned with this tenet.

To this end, this conference has two calls for abstracts: first, the progressive development Towards a Global Legal Framework in Harmony and Peace with Nature and second, Artistic Expressions Relating to the Environment such as music, art and culture that can bring about and enhance the stewardship for the environment. This is crucial for the implementation of not only environmental policies but also the numerous laws, at global, regional and national levels.

When and where?
On 19 November 2021 the International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL) and the University Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) will hold an international conference to address the path towards a global legal framework in harmony and peace with Nature.

The event will be held physically at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Campus Puerta de Toledo), in Madrid city centre (https://www.uc3m.es/about-uc3m/how-to-get-here/madrid-puerta-de-toledo).
The conference will also be accessible as a webinar, with registration and log-in information.

Although this international conference will be focused on Environmental Law, the organization has also designed a call for Artistic Expressions Relating to the Environment Environmental Art .

Emilie Gaillard in the 6th panel:
15:30 – SIXTH ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PANEL: REGIONAL, LOCAL, AND INDIGENOUS APPROACHES

Presenter and moderator: Dr. EMILIE GAILLARD (General Coordinator of the Normandy Chair For Peace, CNRS, University of Caen, France; Associate Professor in International Environmental and Human Rights Law, Sciences Po Rennes, France) (online).

• “Towards building environmental legal frameworks in peace and harmony with Indigenous Peoples”, MARÍA ACOSTA (Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples collective rights specialist) & LUISA CASTANEDA (Vanier Scholar, Doctoral Candidate in Law, Faculty of Law, McGill University, respectively) (online).
• “The Green State Vision of West Papua”, ROY LEE (Principal at Solon Law, UK; Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia) (online).
• “Urban agroecological food production in Rio de Janeiro: Legal questions and strengthening local governance against global environmental problems, FELIPE JARDIM (Doctoral Candidate, State University of Rio de Janeiro, UERJ; Friedrich-Schiller Universität Jena, FSU, Germany).
• “Current problems and legal actions for the prevention and combating of crimes and illegalities that affect forest resources, flora and fauna and other natural resources of the Republic of Cuba”, Dr. LUIS PÉREZ OROZCO (Professor of Law, University of Matanzas “Camilo Cienfuegos”, Cuba) (online).