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Coral reefs need strong management and protection efforts. However, public awareness and legal instruments concerning coral reefs are still insufficient. An ecosystem service model perspective is needed for the optimum management of that ecosystem. This study examined the relationship between ecosystem services management in international, national and local environmental laws and the coral reef ecosystem. An analytical descriptive qualitative method with the environmental services model and statutory regulation approaches was used. The researcher found a good relationship between the ecosystem services management in the international, national and local environmental laws and the policy planning concerning the sustainable development of the coral reef ecosystem. However, not all of the existing regulations support the environmental services model. It is because the regulatory framework is not complete, and existing norms do not support the efforts to improve people's welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roofs provide multiple benefits to households and urban neighbourhoods by lowering temperatures, reducing energy costs, and reducing stormwater runoff. However, green roofs are expensive and may not be available to all residents, which raises questions about who benefits from green roofs and urban policies that support this technology. Policies to support different social groups' access to this green infrastructure is important for achieving equity. This study aims to identify and analyze to what extent existing different rooftop greening incentives and mandatory policies in three American cities, including New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, address environmental justice. Nine policies were analyzed from three cities based on three dimensions of environmental justice. The results show that all policies have neglected a degree of distributional, recognitional, and procedural environmental justice in their policies. Although incentives try to advance distributional justice by implementing green roofs in different parts of the city, these policies do not pay enough attention to support themes such as zoning, size, rental status, land value, and affordability in all urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global environmental conferences convened by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the last fifty years have contributed to the development of international environmental law and institution-building. Yet, given the deteriorating state of the global environment they are but one element of international environmental governance. While they were important to bring environmental issues to the attention of states, the time for agenda-setting seems over. Rather the international community must move on to the implementation of existing binding and non-binding rules and principles. While the UNGA continues to play an important role in the context of sustainable development and the Agenda 2030 process and is, indeed a stable platform for international cooperation on environmental issues, it seems that the time for comprehensive global environmental conferences may have come to an end, unless more innovative mechanisms for the implementation of international environmental law and policy are brought forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The floriculture sector is booming in Ethiopia, making the country the second largest flower exporter in Africa and one of the largest suppliers of flowers globally. Despite the enormous advantages of the Ethiopian floriculture industry to the country's economy, the industry's unsustainability related to environmental and human rights is growing. Failure to protect the environment can have profound negative impacts on long-term economic development and human rights, including the right to life, adequate food, water and housing. The floriculture industry has been identified as having the potential to grow and contribute positively to the agricultural transformation and economy of Ethiopia. Policy, laws and regulations play a vital role in the implementation of any regulatory objective. During the last decade, Ethiopia has developed many policies and laws that link to improving the environment, and the flower farm industry itself has adopted self-regulation and standards, enhancing the protection of workers and the environment. But there is increasing evidence that the economic benefits of the flower industry come at the expense of the environment. So, what is the impact of these State and non-State regulations on a safe and clean environment? This paper aims to analyse how, why and under what circumstances environmental policy implementation might work or fail, by investigating the challenges for the floriculture industry relating to the intensive use of pesticides and water, and inappropriate waste disposal in the policy implementation process. It is safe to say that Ethiopia has developed a lot of legislation on the environment but the challenge of effective monitoring and enforcement remains. This paper concludes with recommendations, based on the fact that the principles of environmental rights, the right to life and the right to development cannot be realised in the absence of the right to a healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since proclaiming its independence, the Republic of Indonesia has a large gold-mining industry (PT Indonesia has always been a country of great agrarian The people of Indonesia to the gate of independence. [Extracted from the article]

The article examines how environmental law policies in Indonesia has been affected by the implementation of regional autonomy. Topics covered include necessity of the integration of "eco-cratic" principles and regional autonomy for the realisation of ecological sustainability and community welfare in the age of regional autonomy, importance of the reinforcement of regional authority in the field of the environment, and problems with political will behind environmental law in Indonesia.

The article analyzes the experience of Poland in taxation of renewable energy and energy infrastructure. Topics covered include current energy, environmental and tax policies of Poland for renewables in the context of legal standards introduced by the European Union (EU), lessons from the experience of other member states of the EU and the legal conditions relevant to the taxation of renewables.

A paper which examines the complementarity of international economic and environmental laws, and their implementation in achieving sustainable development, is presented. Topics covered include need for cooperation between economic and environmental law among states, challenges posed by the sustainable development principle to the implementation of environmental law, and factors compromising implementation of environmental treaties.

A comparative analysis of several climate litigation actions that demanded positive regulatory impacts is presented. Topics covered include reasons for considering the actions in these cases as emblematic, viability of a lawsuit to oblige the state of São Paulo, Brazil to implement measures needed to comply with the guidelines for mitigating emissions of greenhouse gases as expressed in the Climate Change Policy of the State of São Paulo and cases of climate litigation.

The article discusses environmental protection of mountain regions in former Soviet Union countries. Topics explored include the partial application of natural resources management initiatives to the mountain areas of Russia, the adoption of regional environmental policies focused on mountain-area protection, and the identification of threats such as deforestation, overgrazing, and illegal hunting activities.

The article discusses research which investigated how the environmental performance index (EPI) of countries and other related indicators influence their environmental democracy index (EDI). Topics explored include the EDI coverage such as citizen participation in environmental decision making and implementation of environmental policies by the government, the review of published studies concerning environmental performance, and government intervention in environmental protection.

The article focuses on the inland water pollution control in Bangladesh. Topics discussed include competency preventing of regime to prevent inland water pollution with reference to major legal and policy responses from the government; the National Environmental Policy (NEP) 1992 for water quality and pollution control; and emphasis on water resource management and reduce environmental degradation.

The article discusses the highlights of the First Conference of the Parties (COP-1) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury held in Geneva, Switzerland in September 2017. Issues addressed at the conference include the implementation and financial mechanism of the Convention, which bans and phases out mercury mines, phases in a ban on the manufacture, import and export of certain mercury-containing products and controls emissions and releases of mercury, among other objectives.

The article discusses a study on the progress and transition towards a green economy in Morocco. Topics covered include the environmental communication practices of Moroccan companies, challenges that have hampered the country's efforts to anchor the principles of sustainable development, such as the adverse effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, and environmental report or a sustainable development report that Moroccan companies are obliged to publish.

The article discusses questions regarding radioactive waste management policies as it relates to the veracity of the political intention to foster international cooperation. Topics covered include international legislative texts that regulate radioactive waste management, the views of the international legal environment on the establishment of shared nuclear waste repositories, and possible future developments on such repositories.

The article examines the North versus South debate in global environmental politics. Topics discussed include the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009, the challenges that environmental change presents for the vulnerable countries, and the continued disagreement over who should bear the responsibility of the environmental damages.

The article focuses on China's plan to launch a national emissions trading scheme (ETS). Topics discussed include the possibility that China will seek to link its ETS with other ETS schemes, the various forms of linkage and their different effects, and signs that China and the European Union are very likely to cooperate in the field of emissions trading.

The article offers information on the status and most recent meetings of the Compliance Committees established under two protocols to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Topics discussed include the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, the protocols' focus on environmental law and policy, and their compliance mechanisms.

The article discusses the waste treatment laws in Ukraine, and its harmonization with the European Union's (EU) environmental policy. Topics discussed include Ukraine's desire to harmonise its environmental legislation with the norms of the EU; the expected positive effects of aligning the two legal systems, such as a postive environment and sustainable development; and the need to implement a new economic policy in Ukraine.

The article provides an overview of the introduction of policy documents and legislation aimed to implement the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) of China in 2016. It considers whether the resource tax design could aid China build a low-carbon, energy-efficient industrial system and meet its national plan on climate change. It discusses the use of domestic programmes by China to penalise air pollution and confront resource misuse.

The article presents international developments in environmental law and policy in the marine sector associated to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2016. The Second Preparatory Conference for legally binding instrument development on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction was held from August 26 to September 9. The Seventeenth Meeting of UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea focuses on plastics and marine debris.

The article discusses the role environmental courts on the protection and preservation of the environment, and sustainable development. Topics discussed include types of evidence in environmental litigation such as testimonial evidence, guiding principles in the Nigeria's National Policy on Environment, and guidelines for environmental sentencing.

Information about the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that was held in Nairobi, Kenya from February 15-19, 2016, is presented. Topics include environmental policy issues, sustainable development and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. It cites the internal and external developments of the UNEP.

The article offers information on the 70th regular session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA-70) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 4, 2016 to June 5, 2016 which features the international environmental law and policy to promote environmental protection.

The article discusses the role of the small island developing states (SIDS) on the implementation of the Paris agreement for climate change. It examines the impact of climate change which could lead to economic loss and damage. It cites the development of international law to prevent climate change such as the reduction of carbon emission.

The article focuses on the environmental deterioration as the major issues of the modern development of Russia and countries of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Topics discussed include environmental legislative inefficiency as a reason for deterioration of the environment; influence of political power on environmental crisis; and lack of environmental quality.

Information about the 11th United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-11) held at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York from May 4â€15, 2015 on international arrangement on forests (IAF) is presented. Topics discussed include promotion of management, conservation and sustainable development of forests as the aim of UNFF; environmental policy and law which are required to be executed by the UNFF; and steps taken to improve countries' access to forest-related funds.

The article focuses on providing international safety and assistance to environmental migrants who have been impacted by global climate change. It states that based on United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC's) provisions, priority should be given on adaptation to changing environmental conditions while developing a policy on climate-change-related displacement. It mentions that a policy that hears those who are affected and ensure their dignity could be a successful one.

UNGA - 69 Preview of the Environmental Agenda 402OWG-SDG-10, 11, 12 and 13 - Brief Review of Work on the Sustainable Development Goals 406UNFCCC Climate Summit - A Glimmer of Hope "Annalisa Savaresi" 416ICJ - The Court's Environmental Agenda 417UNCLOS - The 24th Meeting of States Parties "Anastasia Galilaiou and Elsa Tsioumani" 419 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the Paris Climate Change Conference that was held in Ottawa, Ontario on January 23, 2016, is presented. Topics include the development of international environmental policy and law, the implementation of the sustainable development goals for environmental development and the transparency in organisation. It featured several attendees of the symposium including Jean Lebel, Deirdre Kent and David Runnalls.

The article discusses court case wherein the Netherlands state ordered to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) on a faster rate. Topics discussed include case that was filed by the Urgenda Foundation which develops plans and measures to prevent climate change; Urgenda which challenged the climate science and international climate policy; state that paid the costs of Urgenda's and its co-defendants' lawsuit; and verdict that Netherlands' policy would not achieve minimum environment standard.

The author offers insights on political issues concerning environmental policy in the U.S. Topics discussed include updates on the federal lawsuit Kelsey Cascadia Rose Juliana, et al. v. U.S. which concerns the impact of the increasing carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel production on future generations, the continuous denial of climate change by U.S. President Donald Trump, and the link between fossil fuel burning and atmospheric greenhouse gas emission.

The author comments on developments related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEA). He describes the benefits of earlier MEA, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora and the World Heritage Convention. He also discusses the differences between older and newer MEA in terms of coverage and objective.

An editorial is presented in which the editor discusses the challenges faced by the negotiation of a binding instrument on marine biodiversity. Focus is given to the sessions held by a preparatory committee under the adopted resolution of the UN General Assembly which seeks to develop elements of a draft binding instrument on sustainable use of the marine biological diversity. The issue of pathway selection related to marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction is emphasized.

The article discusses the highlights of the Geneva Annual Dinner Event for the members of the International Law Commission (ILC), held on July 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. Topics covered include the current and emerging topics of environmental law, a tribute to International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL) founder Wolfgang Burhenne, and an acknowledgment of ICEL's continued support and encouragement of the ILC's work.

The article discusses the highlights of the Fourth Meeting of the United Nations (UN)-sponsored Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR-4), held on May 21-26, 2017. Topics covered include the Sendai Framework, the disaster-risk-relevance and interconnectedness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The article discusses the environmental impact of the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union (EU) in 2016. It mentions that some EU environmental standards would still apply to products aimed for export to EU countries from Great Britain. It states that many areas of environmental policy would be in the hands of administrations of Wales, Scotland and England and could result to unprecedented flexibility in the environmental norms throughout Great Britain.

The article focuses on the aspects of the revised African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources also known as the Maputo Convention adopted in 2003. Topics discussed include the various objectives of the convention which aim for the conservation and enhancement of environmental protection, the environmental focus of the convention which include land, water, and vegetation, and the role of the convention in addressing sustainable development issues.

The article discusses the 2nd Meeting of the Signatories (MoS-2) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) held on October 5-8, 2015 in Trondheim, Norway. At the event, delegates from international environmental law and policy discussed the Report of the Interim Technical Advisory Group.

The article offers world news briefs related to Environmental Policy and Law, as of March 2015. Declaration of Ban Ki-moon, United Nation (UN) Secretary General, for year 2015 to be "pivotal for global action on climate change". UN's announcement for taking necessary steps in responding to the devastating impact of tropical cyclone Pam in the South Pacific. Appointment of Joachim Rücker from Germany as President of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The article offers United Nations' worldwide environmental policy and law news briefs. Algeria's Said Djinnit is appointed as Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Change by United Nations Secretary-General. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls for an environmental and industrial balance in Iceland. German government is investigating hazardous waste disposition allegation against a Dutch based biogas company in Germany.

The author comments on issues related to environmental policy. Topics discussed include the Minamata Convention on Mercury which entered into force on August 16, 2017, remarks of United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed about the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, and the appointment of Cristiana Pasca Palmer, formerly Romania's Minister for Environment, Waters and Forests, to the position of executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses memorial tributes to environmental policy pioneers and various sustainable development aspects.

The article offers world news briefs related to environmental policies as of July 2014. The 65th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held in Switzerland. The second meeting of the United Nation (UN) High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) held in New York. The U.S. President Barack Obama planned to expand the boundaries of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.