An overview of CEL’s work
CEL's research on various enviro-legal issues has been primarily aimed at overcoming shortcomings of laws and regulations and to effectively integrate environment and development in the politics and practices of the country. It also recognizes the need to develop and implement integrated, enforceable and effective laws taking into consideration the social, ecological and economic factors.
To this end the Centre conducted a field visit to the Sunderbans for a preliminary study on the impacts of trade liberalization on rural poverty and environment vis-a-vis land resources. Based on the initial research study conducted by Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), the Centre is implementing the outreach and advocacy component for the project on 'Trade Liberalization, Rural Poverty and Environment' funded by WWF-US and The World Bank.
Policy Support towards the Conservation of Coastal & Marine Biodiversity pursuant to CBD – Synergies with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
In the ongoing project CEL is providing the policy support to the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) towards conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity pursuant to the Jakarta Mandate adopted by the COPII of CBD and its coherence with other MEAs. Apart from the regular policy support, a detailed background paper with reference to the international legal instrument towards protecting the Coral Reefs and an Indian Perspective has been submitted to the MoEF.
CEL's project on ‘Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development’
Apart from the on-going research activities, the CEL is also undetaking an initiative to learn linkages between trade and investment. Under the WWF’s International Trade and Investment Programme (TIP), CEL with collaboration of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) recently released a report - Indian Companies in the 21st Century - An oppurtunity for innovations that can save the planet.
This report is a part of a series of studies conducted by WWF’s Trade and Investment Programme. The report examines the scope for Indian companies to become leading exporters of, and investors in, sustainable goods and services, whilst emerging as key actors in promoting a proactive international sustainable development agenda. The project aims to identify and work with actors in key emerging economies (China, Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa) to champion international sustainable trade and investment.
To know more about WWF's Trade and Investment Programme, and to download a copy of the report, please click here
National Parks and Sanctuaries Case
In the ongoing case pertaining to settlement of rights of people who lived/are living in national parks and sanctuaries, the Centre recently filed a counter affidavit to oppose the application filed by the State of Goa, seeking to de-notify vast segments of two wildlife sanctuaries (Matei and Netravelli) notified in June 1991.
