HPNLU Shimla: International Conference On Environmental Law And Sustainability Hosted By The Centre For Environment And Disaster Management

The conference was inaugurated with an introduction of the event by Dr. Chandreshwari, Director of the Centre for Environment and Disaster Management (CEDM), HPNLU. Dr. Chandreshwari set the tone for the event, emphasizing the growing urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation through a robust framework of international and domestic legal mechanisms. She provided a comprehensive overview of the themes that would guide the deliberations in the forthcoming sessions, stressing the importance of innovation and global cooperation in shaping sustainable legal frameworks for the future.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Rattan, Professor of Law at Panjab University. Prof. Rattan focused on the intersection of international environmental law and the rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She highlighted the pivotal role that AI can play in enhancing the effectiveness of environmental laws, from monitoring and enforcement to data-driven decision-making in environmental protection and conservation.

In her address, Dr. Maria Pozza, the Guest of Honour, an international lawyer and Director of Gravity Lawyers, New Zealand, delivered a presentation on the challenges and intricacies of applying international environmental law within domestic jurisdictions. Dr. Pozza discussed various case studies where international treaties and agreements faced hurdles in national legal systems, providing a nuanced understanding of the balance between international obligations and domestic sovereignty.

Mr. Krishna Kumar, Director, H.P. Forest Development Corporation Ltd., Shimla (South), extended his best wishes to all participants in commemoration of World Forest Day, bringing attention to the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance. His address focused on the significance of forest laws and their role in mitigating deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. Mr. Kumar emphasized the need for stronger legal measures and enforcement mechanisms to protect India's rich forest resources.

Dr. Togapur Pavan Kumar, Senior Scientist in Chemistry and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, served as the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. Dr. Kumar spoke on the nexus between innovation, intellectual property rights, and sustainability, stressing the importance of fostering technological advancements that are aligned with environmental conservation. He outlined the key role that IPR plays in incentivizing green innovation and ensuring that sustainable solutions are developed and shared across borders.

In her Presidential Address, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor of HPNLU, underscored the need for a revised and contemporary understanding of sustainable development. She emphasized that the evolving dynamics of today's global environment demand a more inclusive and adaptive definition of sustainability that integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Technical Sessions

Following the inaugural session, the conference featured a series of technical sessions, where experts discussed various sub-themes, including climate change law, renewable energy, environmental justice, and legal strategies for mitigating natural disasters. The sessions provided a platform for detailed presentations, interactive discussions, and exchange of ideas, exploring the integration of legal frameworks with scientific and technological innovations.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Phillip Cullet, a renowned expert on water law and its intersection with environmental sustainability. Prof. Cullet's address focused on the urgent need for advancing water laws to protect the world's dwindling freshwater resources, underscoring the critical role of legal frameworks in managing water disputes, ensuring equitable distribution, and preventing water scarcity.

Dr. Bharat Barowalia, Coordinator of the Centre for Environment and Disaster Management, HPNLU, presented the Report of the Event.

In the Guest of Honour Address, Prof. (Dr.) Radha Seshan introduced the concept of legal economics, exploring the economic underpinnings of environmental law and policy. Prof. Seshan elaborated on how economic principles influence legal frameworks for environmental protection, including the implementation of market-based solutions such as carbon pricing and sustainable resource management.

The conference concluded with the Chief Guest Address by Justice C.B. Barowalia, Lokayukta of Himachal Pradesh, who delivered a thought-provoking discourse on carbon emissions and their devastating impact on the environment. Justice Barowalia highlighted the importance of legal accountability in addressing climate change and urged all stakeholders to take collective action towards reducing emissions and mitigating environmental harm.