From June 25 to 29, 2023, Cebu (the Republic of the Philippines) became the center of generation of ideas for protection of the planet by environmental lawyers from 70 countries. The Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) gathered environmental defenders on the picturesque island. EPL representatives as members of the Alliance took part in this international meeting.
ELAW brings together lawyers and scientists to jointly build a sustainable and just future for the whole world. ELAW’s annual international meetings contribute to formation of strong ties in the network. Participants at these annual meetings work together to address the challenges of protecting our climate, critical ecosystems, and galvanizing community efforts to plan for a sustainable future.
During these days, together with colleagues from 39 countries, we discussed the specifics of court proceedings in cases related to climate change; discussed topical issues related to biodiversity; raised issues of challenges related to extraction and use of oil and gas; studied the prospects and problems of introducing renewable energy sources; analyzed the existing mechanisms for protection of the ocean, coast and sea; raised the issue of water pollution and deep-sea mining.
Participants of the meeting had an opportunity to exchange experience with their colleagues regarding preparation for court proceedings, various activities on forest protection, protection of the rights of indigenous people, use of liquefied gas, fight against harmful industry, promotion of waste management reform, addressing specifics of court proceedings in cases concerning plastic, defending eco-activists and other environmental defenders, etc.
In addition to working in plenary sessions and working groups, participants of the meeting had the opportunity to see preserved natural assets of the Philippines, such as the Bojo River1 and Hermit’s Cove2.
After visiting already protected and preserved territories, the participants met with local activists fighting against the operation of a coal-fired power plant in the city of Toledo, and saw devastating consequences of its operation.
Environmental problems of the modern world are becoming more and more threatening and difficult to solve. Environmental pollution, loss of biodiversity, climate change are just a few of the problems that require immediate and global action. Since environmental problems do not stop at the borders of countries, communication with environmental lawyers and scientists from other countries becomes extremely important to ensure an effective and comprehensive approach to their solution.
Legislation and legal approaches to environmental issues may differ from country to country. Being open to sharing this experience allows us to use successful strategies and effective tools from other jurisdictions and adapt them to our own needs. This opens up new opportunities in terms of work aimed at improving domestic legislation and ensuring effective environmental protection.
Such meetings contribute to expansion of the network of connections and partnerships, which brings us closer to the joint solution of environmental problems. Cooperation with environmental lawyers and scientists from different countries stimulates mutual support, which helps to create strong international ties for environmental protection. It should be noted that participants of the meeting, representing each of the 70 states, expressed deep solidarity with Ukraine and its people, our desire for green reconstruction and development of environmental law. Support of professional representatives of civil society from all over the world inspires hope for formation and implementation in practice of a truly green policy for restoration of the Ukrainian environment.
