- The event set the stage for the 21st Annual Colloquium of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Academy of Environmental Law, presently ongoing at Karnavati University till Sunday, July 7
- Dr P Lakshmi, Dean, UWSL highlights the importance of the Centre for Research on Environmental Studies in advancing environmental safeguarding efforts
- Professor Tiinaa Paloniitty speaks about contemporary environmental challenges faced in today’s world
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 7
The Unitedworld School of Law (UWSL), Karnavati University in collaboration with Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) successfully organised a Pre-Colloquium Research Workshop on Thursday – July 04. The event set the stage for the 21st Annual Colloquium of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Academy of Environmental Law, presently ongoing at Karnavati University till July 7.
The event began on Thursday morning with the traditional lamp-lighting ritual by the dignitaries including Dr Tiina Maria Paloniitty, Chair IUCN, Gustavo Alanis, Founder and Executive Director, Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental (CEMDA), Mexican Environmental Law Center, Tseming Yang, Professor of Law at Santa Clara University, Prof. William Piermattei, Managing Director Environmental Law Program, University of Maryland Carey School of Law, United States, Robert V Percival, Robert F. Stanton Professor of Law and Director of the Environmental Law Programme at the University of Maryland School of Law, Dr Siva Barathi Marimuthu, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, among others.
A welcome address by Dr P Lakshmi, Dean, UWSL set the tone of the event. Dr Lakshmi highlighted the importance of the Centre for Research on Environmental Studies in advancing environmental safeguarding efforts.
Distinguished academics, legal experts, and representatives from leading universities and environmental organizations across the USA, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and other countries remained present at the event. Their research papers on critical topics related to the environment, enriched the dialogue.
During her opening remarks, Professor Tiinaa Paloniitty spoke about contemporary environmental challenges faced in today’s world. This was followed by an insightful lecture from Professor William Piermattei and Dr Sharl Marimuthu on environmental conservation and legal perspectives.
Dr Marimuthu presented her research on ‘Harnessing Legal Education to Build Community Resilience’, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches in eco-pedagogy and its applications in Australia’s environmental initiatives.
Similarly, Durgeshree Raman discussed the landmark New Zealand Supreme Court case, Smith v Fontera Cooperative Group Limited, highlighting climate litigation under Tort law and the role of Tikanga Maori in environmental jurisprudence, advocating for rights to health, safety, peace, and sustainability in the environment. Peter Davis explored the nexus between legal education, climate change, and intergenerational equity, emphasising on the preservation of natural resources and environmental sustainability.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of participants towards advancing environmental law scholarship and practice. A group photograph captured the spirit of collaboration and commitment among attendees, marking the successful culmination of the pre-colloquium workshop.
