International Wildlife Law (LAW-951)
Open gallery
This class takes an in-depth, real-life look at the complex of multilateral treaties that concerns international wildlife management, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, the Convention on Migratory Species, the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, regional fisheries management agreements, and the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling. In addition to achieving competence in the various treaty mechanisms, students will have the opportunity to explore contemporary wildlife issues that currently make these treaties dynamic, “living” documents. These issues include, inter alia, Japanese whaling and the legitimacy of the International Whaling Commission; the African elephant ivory trade and the tension between conservation and sustainable use to support livelihoods; the management of commercially exploited species, especially tuna species; enforcement, consumer demand, and rhino horn trade; and the polar bears future in light of climate change impacts. Students apply the material during in-class, interactive negotiations that compel deeper understandings of the issues, including the politics inherent in negotiating wildlife conservation, as well as through short writing assignments.