The work under this research theme aims to critically assess the role of law in promoting the conservation, sustainable use and management of earth’s natural resources and systems both within national jurisdictions and across borders. The research specifically focuses on the legal protection of terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems including the conservation of the species and resources found within these systems. We aim to analyse these issues from both empirical and theoretical perspectives.

We are particularly interested in the following:

• Protected areas management
• Endangered species and wildlife crimes
• Wildlife law
• Natural resources law
• Law and governance for transboundary environmental pollution and conservation
• Domestic and international water law and governance
• Law of the Sea and the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction
• Ocean governance – including equitable and sustainable fisheries, and marine plastic pollution
• Mining and the environment
• Meeting global conservation commitments in terms of the SDGs