Introduce basic concepts about the environment

• Environment;

• Scope of Environmental Management;

• Administration of Environmental Management;• Sustainable Development;

• The Branches of Environmental Law including Caribbean Community Environmental Law; and

• Role of UNEP in developing Environmental Law.

Why definition is important!

• Establishes the Philosophical Basis of any legislation drafted and implemented to protect the environment.

• Indicates the value place on the various aspects of the environment.

• Perceptions which policy maker have on the environment.

• Reflects the focus of environmental legislation and the commitment of the State to protect the environment.

Many Definitions!

Man is both a creature and molder of his environment, which gives him physical sustenance and afford him the opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual growth. UN Conference on the Human Environment, 1972.

Mankind is a part of nature and life depends on the uninterrupted functioning of natural systems which ensure the supply of energy and nutrients. Civilization is rooted in nature, which shape human culture and influence all artistic and scientific achievement, and living in harmony with nature gives man the best opportunities for the development of his creativity and for rest and relaxation. The World Charter for Nature, Adopted by UN in 1982

“Environment” means the physical factors of the surroundings of human beings including the land, soil, water, atmosphere, climate, sound, odors, tastes and the biological factors of animals and plants of every description. National Conservation and Protection Act 1987, No.5 of 1987, St. Kitts and Nevis

Environmental management encompasses concerns about, among others:

• Air quality;• Water quality and quantity;• Soil erosion and land degradation;• Protection of endangered species;• Proper management of dangerous chemicals;• Adequate treatment and proper disposal of waste;• Management of natural resources, including:

o Forests;o Wetlands; o Scenic sites.

• Coordinated management of the global commons, including:o High seas;o Atmosphere;o Antarctica; and o Outer space

• Human elements of the environmental including:o Human settlements;o Cultural, historical, and religious aspects of human activities;o Population; ando Minorities and indigenous peoples.

“activities which produce goods and services to measure, prevent, limit, minimise or correct environmental damage to water, air, soil, as well as problems related to waste, noise and eco-systems. This includes cleaner technologies, products and services that reduce environmental risk and minimize pollution and resource use”. OECD/Eurostat, OECD and the Statistical Office of the European Communities, the Environmental Goods and Services Industry: Manual for Data Collection and Analysis, 1999, OECD Publication, Paris.

POLLUTION MANAGEMENT GROUP• Solid/Hazardous Waste Management• Recycled Materials• Waste Water Management• Air Pollution Control• Noise and Vibration Abatement• Remediation and Cleanup of Soils, Surface Water or Ground Water

INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE/CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES GROUP• Analytical Services, Data Collection, Analysis and Assessment• Environmental Research and development• Environmental Education, Training and Information

CLEANER TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION GROUP• Cleaner/Resource Efficient Technologies and Process• Cleaner/Resource Efficient Products

*Source: M.D. Griffith, 2009

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GROUP• Renewable Energy• Water Resources Treatment and Distribution• Sustainable Biodiversity • Coastal and Marine Protection and Management• Protection and Management of Natural and Cultural

Heritage• Environmental Planning• Natural Hazard Risk Assessment and Management• Sustainable Land Management• Sustainable Forestry Management• Other Environmental Services

*Source: M.D. Griffith, 2009

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations: Brundtland Commission, 1987

• Calls for integration of environment and development at all levels of decision making;

• Intra-generational and intergenerational equity: equitable access to environmental resources by both present and future generation;

• Sustainable and development-contradictory

sustainable: implies elements of long term renewal, maintenance, recycling, minimal raw material exploitation and the management of people´s needs on a collective basis

development: can be interpreted many different ways

Concept institutionalized by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

• International Environmental Law

International law governs relations between independent states. The rules of law binding upon states therefore emanate from their own free will as expressed in Conventions or by usages generally accepted as expressing principles of law and established in order to regulate relations between these coexisting independent communities or with a view to the achievement of common aims. The Permanent Court of International Justice in S.S. “Lotus”.

Special Brands of International Environmental Law• Caribbean Community Environmental Law

• National Environmental Law

Consists of legislation, standards, regulations, institutions and administration adopted to control activities damaging to the environment within a state.

1972: United Nations Conference on the Human Environment.

1972: UNEP established: UNGA Resolution 2997 (XXV11), 15 December 1972.

1975: UNGA approved UNEP´s work contributing to the development and codification of a new body of international law to meet the requirements generated by environmental concerns.

1981: A Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (the Montevideo Programme) was drafted.• Conclusion of international agreement;• The development of international principles, guidelines and standards; and• Provision of technical assistance for the further development of national

legislation and institutions, including the implementation of international agreements through national legislation.

1991: Review of the Montevideo Plan 1991 and the Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law for the 1990´s.

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