Organizer: 
UNITAR
Dates: 
Friday, January 17, 2014 to Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Ongoing: 
Type: 
E-learning
Regions: 
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Oceania
South & Central America & Caribbean
Link: 
International Environmental Governance

Background

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.
 
UNITAR is aware of the fact that States need to enhance their national capacities in order to meet their environmental obligations. For this reason UNITAR offers the Series of e-Learning Courses on International Environmental Law that is composed of 4 courses.

Event Objectives

The e-Course on International Environmental Governance is the second course of the Series of e-Learning Courses on International Environmenal Law. 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.

Learning Objectives

 At the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Define the concept of International Environmental Governance (IEG) and identify its main actors.
• Identify the main elements of IEG and list the fundamental principles of good environmental governance.
• Identify the role of the United Nations bodies, agencies and programmes for development and implementation of international environmental law and policy.
• Identify and describe the role of MEA bodies and Non-State actors in international law and policy-making and in their implementation.
• Recommend a specific legal instrument to deal with a particular international environmental problem and consider a more suitable forum to negotiate such a legal instrument.
• Identify the shortcomings and strengths of the current IEG regime and describe the approaches for reforming it.
• Recommend a particular approach for reforming the current IEG regime.

Content and Structure

The Course is composed of following four interactive lessons: 

Lesson 1: General Introduction
Lesson 2: Elements of International Environmental Governance
Lesson 3: Regional Environmental Governance
Lesson 4: Reform of International Environmental Governance
 
Depending on the lesson, 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.

Methodology

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.

Targeted Audience

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.

Additional Information

Certificates: Participants who successfully complete all the course activities and assessments will receive a Certificate of Participation 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. Consult the complete list of technical requirements here.
 
The International Environmental Governance is the second course in the Series of Courses on International Environmental Law, which includes three other titles: Introduction to International Environmental Law ; Techniques and Procedures in International Environmental Law; and, International Environmental Negotiations.
 
UNITAR offers 2 sessions of the Series per year, therefore the Series can be completed in one or more sessions. Upon the successful completion of the four courses, participants are entitled to receive a Certificate of Completion for the UNITAR Series of Courses on International Environmental Law. For additional information about the Series please click here.