e-Course on Introduction to International Environmental Law

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Type:

Course

Date:

06 Feb - 17 Feb 2012

Duration of event:

2 weeks

Location:

web-based

Programme area:

Environment, International Law

Fee:

Full Fee USD 400

100 USD - see the list of countries which benefit from this reduced fee

200 USD - see the list of countries which benefit from this reduced fee

300 USD - see the list of countries which benefit from this reduced fee

400 USD - see the list of countries which pay full fee

This course offers reduced fees for participants from least developed countries, developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Participants from developed countries and internationally recruited staff from the United Nations System must pay the full fee, independent of their nationality.

Website:

http://www.unitar.org/ilp

Event focal point email:

monica.nunez@unitar.org

Event focal point Contact Number:

+41 (0)22 917 88 29

Other events details:

How to register

The registration is closed
Deadline for registration: 3 February 2012

Background

Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) are the predominant legal method for addressing transboundary environmental problems. Nowadays States, particularly least developed countries and developing countries, face the challenge of implementing over 300 MEAs with limited technical, financial and human resource capabilities. Several countries need to develop their capacities for the better implementation of environmental obligations at the national level in order to ensure adequate application and compliance of MEAs. Thus, training and capacity development are key resources for effective global environmental protection.

UNITAR is aware of the fact that States need to enhance their national capacities in order to meet their environmental obligations for this reason it offers the Series of e-Learning Courses on International Environmental Law that is composed of 4 courses.

Event Objectives

The e-Course on Introduction to International Environmental Law is the first course of the UNITAR Series of e-Learning Courses on IEL. The overall goal of this course is to provide participants with a broad introduction to international environmental law’s main topics, introducing its sources and fundamental principles, law-making processes, main actors, implementation and compliance procedures that are necessary to understand the content of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Learning Objectives

Define the role and importance of international law in the protection of the environment and identify the main actors involved in the development of international environmental law.
Describe the historical evolution of IEL and identify the key legal instruments in its evolution.
Identify the mechanisms and techniques established to ensure compliance with international environmental obligations.
Differentiate the different sources of international environmental law (hard-law and soft-law instruments).
Identify the major principles and emerging concepts of international environmental law and then apply them with reference to a case study.

Content and Structure

The e-Course is composed of following five lessons:

Lesson 1: General Introduction
Lesson 2: Historical Evolution of International Environmental Law
Lesson 3: The Making and Application of International Environmental Law
Lesson 4: Fundamental Principles of International Environmental Law
Lesson 5: Concepts Framing International Environmental Law

Methodology

The e-Course will be conducted in English and be delivered over two weeks starting on Monday, 6 February 2012. The successful completion of the course requires an average study-time of 8 hours per week.

The e-courses will be given through UNITAR’s virtual platform. Thus, participants need a minimum hardware and software equipment (nearly all computers fit this) and basic computer skills such as logging into websites, navigating the Internet, using Microsoft Word, uploading/downloading documents, and of course a reliable Internet connection.

Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, 2003, 2007, NT, ME or XP; MacOS 9 or MacOS X.
Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space.
Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free at http://get.adobe.com/fr/reader/
Browser: Mozila Firefox (download for free at http://www.mozilla-europe.org/fr/) or Internet Explorer (download for free at http://windows.microsoft.com/fr-FR/internet-explorer/products/ie/home). Note JavaScript & Cookies must be enabled.
Modem: 56 K.

The learning activities are based on sound adult learning pedagogical principles. They include, among others, self-assessment activities, case studies, discussion forums, drafting short essays, etc.

In order to assure interactive exchange as well as provide participants with personalized learning assistance the number of participants per moderator will not exceed 30.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by UNITAR. Participants who successfully complete all four e-courses of the Series will receive a Certificate of Completion (even if the e-courses were taken in different sessions).

Targeted Audience

Government officials from ministries of environment and related ministries such as agriculture, forest, water, tourism, foreign affairs;
International civil servants and NGO representatives working in the field of environmental law, environmental management, international relations, international politics and other areas relating to sustainable development;
Judges, prosecutors and lawyers dealing with environmental issues;
Academics, private sector professionals and graduate students who would like to specialize in international environmental law.