Three peer networks through which ELDF builds regional capacity and collective strength in environmental law: SANEL across South Asia, ELAN across India, and FGSG on forest governance.
South Asia’s environmental challenges are transboundary, from shared river basins and wildlife trade to biodiversity, indigenous tenure and climate change. As the region’s first non-governmental network, SANEL pools the region’s strategies, data and expertise to mainstream environmental law into decision-making across South Asia, with law at its foundation and an objective, non-political standpoint.
An intellectual hub of South Asian environmental thought, engaging countries and policymakers to improve environmental outcomes region-wide.
A multi-sectoral, multi-geographic platform for capacity building and the exchange of ideas, strategies and learnings across the region.
Training, orientation and capacity building across South Asia
Exchange programmes for professionals, with a focus on youth
Curriculum development for specific target groups and themes
Trend analysis with case studies, monographs and policy papers
A quarterly web-based newsletter on regional enviro-legal issues
Opinions and consultancy for governments, NGOs and institutions
A regional Advice & Referral Centre offering free or affordable legal aid
Common regional environmental standards to prevent a race to the bottom
Support for international environmental law negotiations
A platform to exchange ideas and strategies across the region
Building leadership and common understanding on global challenges
Establishing the South Asian Centre for Environment & Development Law (SACEL)
Environmental law is still not mainstream lawyering in India, often an add-on to civil and criminal practice. ELAN unites natural-resource law professionals into a network that can be mobilised and scaled to tackle conflicts wherever they arise, and a neutral platform for the free flow of ideas, information and proven strategies across the country.
At least two professionally-moderated sessions a year for members to share experiences and strategies.
A member library on natural-resource law with a state focus, beyond Centre and Supreme Court material, plus regional updates.
A quarterly “Supreme Court on Natural Resources Law”, analysing judgments, orders and their regional implications.
FGSG takes forward the IIED-supported Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG), convening a small group of forest-sector experts to strategize innovative forest governance, policies, processes and institutions that eradicate poverty and improve sustainability in forestry, in India and later across South Asia.
Forest administration is often the lowest political priority, stuck in a vicious circle. FGSG creates the missing national forum on forest governance.
A dedicated expert group deliberating feasible forest-sector policy reforms to support the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
Building on FGLG lessons, with preliminary IIED support, to advance sustainable forestry and poverty eradication for India and South Asia.
