Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has officially introduced its first Environmental Law course and it has been endorsed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia.
The Environmental Law course by the College of Law (CL) at HBKU builds upon institution’s commitment to deliver societally-relevant education and research that contributes to addressing Qatar’s grand challenges.
“The Environmental Law course is a child of necessity,” Dr Damilola S. Olawuyi (pictured), Associate Professor at CL, told The Peninsula.
“It soon became clear to the CL that inspiring future generations of environmental innovators in Qatar requires training and research that supports the relevant priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030. HBKU is proud to spearhead innovation in this area. Coming at a time of real need, this course provides exceptional opportunities for students to understand the values, assumptions, and guiding principles which underlie the field of global environmental law. Students will also discover how they can play leading roles in advancing the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in critical sectors of Qatar’s economy,” he added.
Over the past two years, UNEP’s Law Division and regional office in West Asia have provided technical support, resources, and knowledge platforms that have enabled us to develop the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) most comparative environmental law course at HBKU.
“UNEP’s recognition and support for our efforts to advance environmental law education in Qatar and across the MENA region is deeply important and will only motivate us to continue along this path. We are also delighted that our students will be able to obtain the UN Certificate in Environmental Governance. This certificate will significantly enable our graduates to become international leaders in this field in the near future,” said Dr S. Olawuyi.
Protecting and conserving the environment for present and future generations is a key principle of international law. Scientific studies also confirm that a well-protected environment free from pollution is essential to the overall health and vitality of human life and communities. To minimise environmental harm, Qatar has developed a comprehensive and committed legal order that places environmental protection very squarely at the heart of economic development.
“The Environmental Law course at HBKU exposes students to the various legal regimes in Qatar and beyond that govern human relationships with the environment. Drawing on principles of ethics, ecology, economics, and the science of risk assessment, it also explores and analyses regulatory regimes that promote water conservation, resource efficiency, green transportation and other areas,” said Dr S. Olawuyi.
