Event Title
The Contribution of Local Conventions to the Effectiveness of Environmental Law in Burkina Faso
Location
Ceremonial Mootcourt Room
Start Date
2-7-2012 11:20 AM
End Date
2-7-2012 12:40 PM
Description
Burkina Faso, a small country in West Africa, is hard struck by desertification, drought, rainfall irregular, land degradation, competitions related to access and management of natural resources. These environmental challenges have provoked food insecurity and increasing poverty. These difficulties exacerbate the harsh living conditions of communities, accentuate their vulnerability to climate change and increase conflicts over natural resource use.
Facing to this context, the Burkinabe State authorities have taken action to protect the environment that led to the development of environmental law. They have indeed adopted rule of laws, established strategies, programs and action plans, and ratified international treaties related to the protection of the environment. They also created specific institutions to environment and sustainable development. They finally opted for local governance in order to involve local people in managing their own affairs. Furthermore, the state authorities have fixed local conventions.
A local agreement is a set of local rules conform to current legislation (laws and regulations) and signed by a competent authority or authorities that reflects a consensus among all users for sustainable use of natural resources, prevention and conflict management related to their use. Local conventions contain rules and dealing with the rights and duties of natural resource users, prescribe and proscribe individual behavior vis-à-vis the environment and provide for sanctions where appropriate.
Studying sources and principles of environmental law, and using concept of environmental governance, this research wants to shed light on the contribution of local conventions to the effectiveness of environmental law. These agreements - which number is currently increasing - are the result of an inclusive and participatory approach, and thus contribute to an effective implementation of the principle of information and participation. Similarly, these rules are the work of stakeholders. So, they encourage greater ownership of environmental rules, thus a better implementation of environmental legislation. In addition, they supplement existing texts, adapt them to local conditions and responsibilities and strengthen capacity of local communities in managing natural resources on their lands. This research will lead to the conclusion that local conventions play a fundamental role in environmental governance, and are part of the legal rules relating to environmental protection in Burkina Faso. They therefore contribute to a better implementation of environmental law.
Presentation
Included in
The Contribution of Local Conventions to the Effectiveness of Environmental Law in Burkina Faso
Ceremonial Mootcourt Room
Burkina Faso, a small country in West Africa, is hard struck by desertification, drought, rainfall irregular, land degradation, competitions related to access and management of natural resources. These environmental challenges have provoked food insecurity and increasing poverty. These difficulties exacerbate the harsh living conditions of communities, accentuate their vulnerability to climate change and increase conflicts over natural resource use.
Facing to this context, the Burkinabe State authorities have taken action to protect the environment that led to the development of environmental law. They have indeed adopted rule of laws, established strategies, programs and action plans, and ratified international treaties related to the protection of the environment. They also created specific institutions to environment and sustainable development. They finally opted for local governance in order to involve local people in managing their own affairs. Furthermore, the state authorities have fixed local conventions.
A local agreement is a set of local rules conform to current legislation (laws and regulations) and signed by a competent authority or authorities that reflects a consensus among all users for sustainable use of natural resources, prevention and conflict management related to their use. Local conventions contain rules and dealing with the rights and duties of natural resource users, prescribe and proscribe individual behavior vis-à-vis the environment and provide for sanctions where appropriate.
Studying sources and principles of environmental law, and using concept of environmental governance, this research wants to shed light on the contribution of local conventions to the effectiveness of environmental law. These agreements - which number is currently increasing - are the result of an inclusive and participatory approach, and thus contribute to an effective implementation of the principle of information and participation. Similarly, these rules are the work of stakeholders. So, they encourage greater ownership of environmental rules, thus a better implementation of environmental legislation. In addition, they supplement existing texts, adapt them to local conditions and responsibilities and strengthen capacity of local communities in managing natural resources on their lands. This research will lead to the conclusion that local conventions play a fundamental role in environmental governance, and are part of the legal rules relating to environmental protection in Burkina Faso. They therefore contribute to a better implementation of environmental law.