Biodiversity, sustainable development and the law will be the focus of an expert seminar and international symposium taking place in Cambridge, 20-22 February 2015. Global environment leaders, academics and practitioners will share valuable insight on the past successes, current hurdles and potential future solutions to implementing international treaties on biodiversity. UNEP-WCMC are pleased to be involved in this exciting event.

The symposium is being delivered by a cooperative partnership between the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL); the University of Cambridge Centre for Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Governance (CEENRG) and the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL); UNEP-WCMC; the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; and the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), among other partners. High-level participation from the CBD, CITES, CMS, and Ramsar Secretariats is anticipated.

International treaties on the environment and sustainable development have an important role in the effort to reduce and reverse current trends of biodiversity degradation and loss. However, as international law becomes increasingly complex, there are many challenges to achieving their objectives. This event is an opportunity for leaders in biodiversity, sustainable development and the law to share their knowledge and develop diverse solutions to commons problems.

The expert seminar on ‘CITES as a Tool for Sustainable Development’ will take place on Friday 20 February, preceding the symposium on 21-22 February. The seminar will explore issues related to CITES implementation, key species and commodities and national case studies, through a series of expert peer review roundtables.

A wide range of topics will be discussed during the symposium (see the useful links for more information and full schedule) and is open to interested policy makers, lawyers, academics, scientists and students. Register before 15 February 2015 on the Eventbrite webpage.

Event information

Biodiversity, sustainable development and the law – Expert Seminar and International Symposium. St John’s College Divinity School, Cambridge, UK, 20-22 February 2015.

The conference will be preceded by an International Experts Seminar on CITES as a Tool for Sustainable Development and will include a special International Dinner and Research Centre Launching Event in the historic Westminster College Hall of Cambridge. A registration fee of £20 (exclusive of the Symposium Dinner £36pp) will be payable for the weekend of the conference to cover lunches, hospitality and materials, with waivers for student volunteers.