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Heyle

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16 views

Report

Heyle

Uploaded by

Habtamu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Report on Experience Sharing

1. Introduction

For the purpose of undertaking preliminary survey in order to begin the required need
assessment and pursue with subsequent curriculum development, the committee members
have visited among others two federal institutions having direct relation with the program
(LL.M in environmental and natural resource law): Ethiopian Environmental Protection
Authority and Natural Resource Development, Protection, and Utilization Authority. We
made thorough discussions accordingly.

The Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) and the Natural Resource
Development, Protection, and Utilization Authority (NRDPUA) play crucial roles in the
sustainable management of the nation's environment and natural resources. During our
deliberations with the concerned officials of both authorities, recognizing the need to
strengthen environmental governance and legal frameworks, these authorities have initiated
collaborative efforts with Dilla University (DU) to develop an LL.M program in
Environmental and Natural Resource Law. This report highlights the objectives, benefits,
challenges, and recommendations for this experience-sharing initiative.

2. Background
A. Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA)
✔ Established to promote environmental sustainability and enforce
environmental laws and policies in Ethiopia.
✔ Focuses on pollution control, biodiversity conservation, climate change
adaptation, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
B. Natural Resource Development, Protection, and Utilization Authority (NRDPUA)
✔ Responsible for ensuring the sustainable use of Ethiopia's natural resources,
including forests, water bodies, and minerals.
✔ Works on formulating strategies and policies to balance resource utilization
with conservation.
C. The role of Dilla University (School of Law)
✔ DU, School of law plays a key role in producing skilled professionals in
environmental and resource management law.
✔ It facilitates research and provides legal frameworks for tackling environmental and
natural resource management challenges.
3. Objectives of Experience Sharing

This experience sharing aims to collect preliminary information and inputs to set the
following tasks in to motion.

⮚ Capacity Building: Equip the school with knowledge and best practices from EEPA
and NRDPUA to develop a robust LL.M curriculum.
⮚ Policy Integration: Bridge gaps between academic research and practical
implementation of environmental and natural resource laws.
⮚ Legal Reform: Promote the development of legal experts who can influence
environmental policy and advocacy.
⮚ Research Collaboration: Foster partnerships for research into pressing
environmental challenges and innovative solutions.
4. Key Activities in Experience Sharing
I. Workshops and Seminars

DU and the authorities may organize sessions on international environmental law, Ethiopian
resource governance policies, and case studies on enforcement.

II. Curriculum Development Assistance


● Provide frameworks for incorporating climate change law, environmental impact
assessment (EIA), and resource governance into the LL.M curriculum.
III. Research Opportunities
● Support DU in identifying research priorities, such as biodiversity loss, deforestation,
and sustainable resource utilization.
IV. Legal Clinics and Field Visits
● Facilitate practical exposure for students by engaging with local environmental
challenges and legal disputes.
5. Benefits of the experience sharing
a. Enhanced Academic Programs
● Obtaining practical insights to offer specialized and impactful LL.M programs
tailored to Ethiopian realities.
b. Skilled Professionals
● Graduates equipped to address environmental challenges and improve legal
enforcement mechanisms.
c. Stronger Institutions
● Collaboration strengthens the capabilities of environmental authorities and academic
institutions alike.
d. Policy Impact
● Research-informed policy recommendations can drive legal and institutional reforms
in environmental governance.
6. Gaps and impediments identified during bilateral discussions
1. Resource Constraints
✔ Limited funding for curriculum development, training, and field exposure.
2. Knowledge Gaps
✔ Insufficient expertise in specialized areas like climate change litigation and
resource valuation.
3. Coordination Issues
✔ Difficulty in aligning the objectives of the university with those of the
authorities.
4. Legislative Gaps
✔ The need for clearer legal frameworks to guide curriculum content and
research focus.
7. Challenges faced
Despite the positive outcomes of the visits, the committee encountered several
challenges that hindered the effectiveness of the survey:
Insufficient Per Diem: The budget allocated for per diem was inadequate to cover
the neccessary expenses of committee members, which limited their ability to conduct
thorough assessments and engage meaningfully with stakeholders
Lack of Accommodation: The committee faced difficulties in securing suitable
accommodation during their visits, which affected their overall productivity and
morale.
Institutional Support and Coordination: There was a noticeable lack of
institutional especially before departing in securing neccessary transportation means.
There was a serious bureaucratic which resulted in a serious delays in scheduling the
visit
8. Recommendations
a. Institutional Support
✔ Allocate funding and technical assistance for need assessment and
curriculum development properly (by the university).
b. Capacity Building
✔ Organize regular training for committee members in collaboration the
authorities in environmental and natural resource law.
c. Long-term Partnerships
✔ Develop formal agreements between authorities and university for
sustained collaboration.
d. Focus on Local Challenges
✔ Ensure the LL.M curriculum is tailored to address Ethiopia-specific
environmental and resource issues.
e. Global Best Practices
✔ Integrate lessons from international LL.M programs and adapt them to the
Ethiopian context.
9. Conclusion

The collaboration between EEPA, NRDPUA, and DU marks a significant step toward
enhancing environmental and natural resource governance in Ethiopia. By sharing expertise
and resources, the initiative aims to produce a new generation of legal professionals equipped
to address the country’s environmental challenges. Sustained commitment and coordinated
efforts are vital to realizing the full potential of this partnership.

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