International Environmental Governance - I 17
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.
The overall goal of this course is to provide participants with a comprehensive knowledge of the role of the main actors involved in the development of international environmental law who formulate policy instruments and negotiate and conclude Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). This knowledge is necessary to identify the shortcomings of the current international environmental governance regime.
At the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Explain the concept of IEG and identify its main actors and elements; List the fundamental principles of good environmental governance;
- Identify the role of the UN bodies, agencies, programs, MEA bodies and Non-State actors in the development and implementation of international law and policy;
- List the main bodies for settling international environmental disputes; Provide examples of compliance mechanisms under MEAs;
- Recommend a specific legal instrument to deal with an international environmental problem and consider a more suitable forum to negotiate such a legal instrument;
- Analyze and propose shortcomings, strengths of the current IEG regime as well as recommendations for improvement.
The course is composed of following modules:
Module 1: General Introduction
Module 2: Elements of International Environmental Governance
Module 3: Regional Environmental Governance
Module 4: Reform of International Environmental Governance
Depending on the module, there is a slight variation of the amount of study time required. As an average, participants can expect to devote approximately 10 hours per week to review the course content and complete course activities.
The course design allows participants to actively interact with their peers and the moderator. Guided discussion forums are organized on selected topics to allow experience and knowledge sharing. Participants also have the opportunity to work with practical examples, analysing case studies and conducting short research. The course is moderated by a subject matter expert. The course moderator will facilitate the learning process and guide participants throughout its duration. To assure an adequate level of interaction the cohort is limited to 30 participants.
This course is designed for government officials from ministries of the environment, agriculture, forests, water, tourism and foreign affairs. It also targets international civil servants, NGO representatives, judges, prosecutors and lawyers working in the fields of environmental law/management, international relations/politics and sustainable development. Additionally, it is directed at academics, private sector professionals and graduates interested in specializing in International Environmental Law.
Certificates: Participants who successfully complete all the course activities and assessments will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by UNITAR.
Technical Requirements: The course is delivered through UNITAR’s Virtual Learning Environment and participants will require a reliable internet connection throughout its duration. See full list of requirements.
* Please note that the course schedule could be changed if a minimum of enrolled participants is not achieved prior to the start of the course.