Law and the Biodiversity Crisis (PLAH074) – 15 credits

a)    Description

This module is concerned in the broadest sense with nature protection and concerns around the sixth mass extinction. It addresses specifically law and policy around the broad themes of biodiversity, wildlife & habitats. It examines theoretical and practical dimensions of international and national legal and institutional arrangements concerning some of the most crucial environmental issues of our time. This includes the various dimensions of the biodiversity regime, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, its protocols, related legal instruments and related developments at the national level. These cover a wide variety of issues ranging from conservation and use of biodiversity in general to specific implementation mechanisms like ‘access and benefit sharing’, measures addressing environmental safety in the context of the release of genetically modified organisms (biosafety), and proposed measures to take into account social and cultural dimensions of biodiversity conservation and use. This module also addresses law and policy focused on the protection of nature and animals (wildlife), including a focus on the protection of migratory species and specific conservation techniques, such as the regulation of trade (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The course also covers measures for the protection of specific habitats, ecosystems and biomes, including forests and polar areas, where distinct legal regimes have made a significant contribution to the development of environmental law.

b) Indicative syllabus (subject to change)

1.      Introduction: Biodiversity, Nature and Wildlife Law and Policy

Species and habitats

2.      Wildlife and World Heritage

3.      Fisheries & Whaling

4.      Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

Biodiversity

5.      Biodiversity Convention

6.      Biodiversity Convention 2: Access and Benefit Sharing

Forests and polar areas

7.      Forests

8.      Polar Areas

c) Assessment (subject to change)

Assessment comprises two different elements:

A 1,000-word briefing paper (worth 30% of the mark).

A 2,500-word essay (worth 70% of the mark).