Pacific Network for Environmental Law (PacNEL)
© Lagi Reupena
About
The Pacific Network for Environmental Law (PacNEL) is a regional network that connects organizations, legal professionals, government representatives, and individuals committed to advancing environmental law and the rule of law across the Pacific.
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Established in 2015 at the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation, PacNEL is the Law Working Group of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation, aligning its goals and activities with those of the Roundtable and supporting the implementation of the Pacific Islands Framework for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas.
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PacNEL primary goal is to promote legal frameworks and governance systems that advance environmental conservation, environmental justice and sustainable development. PacNEL facilitates collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives to address the global environmental challenges in the Pacific, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and sustainable resource management.
Core Functions
PacNEL’s core objectives are designed to advance environmental law and governance across the Pacific region. Through strategic partnerships, legal expertise, and collaborative initiatives, PacNEL aims to achieve the following:
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Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Foster dynamic networks and partnerships to advance environmental law across the Pacific.
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Promote Legal Excellence: Facilitate peer reviews of regional reports, policies, and draft legislation to uphold high legal standards.
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Identify and Address Legal Gaps: Proactively identify emerging legal issues, governance gaps, and opportunities for reform.
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Drive Collaborative Action: Support joint projects, capacity-building initiatives, and advocacy efforts on priority environmental issues.
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Advise on Environmental Governance: Provide strategic legal guidance and recommendations to regional and international conservation platforms.
Leadership
PacNEL is coordinated by an appointed Chair and Secretariat. The Chair oversees activities and external relations, while the Secretariat manages meetings, communications, and administrative support.
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The Network is currently coordinated by two Co-Chairs, Mrs Maria-Goreti Muavesi and Ms Patricia Parkinson. The Secretariat is currently vacant.
Joining the Pacific Network for Environmental Law
Membership is open to regional agencies, NGOs, legal professionals, governments, and individuals committed to environmental law. Members contribute through their professional roles, fostering collaboration and sharing expertise.
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If you wish to become a member, send an email expressing your interest to: Maria-Goreti Muavesi at mgoreti.w@gmail.com and Patricia Parkinson at PatriciaAParkinson@gmail.com
Communication
PacNEL primarily communicates through the PacNEL Group page on this website, which we invite you to join by sending a request in. We hold periodic virtual meetings, with annual gatherings to discuss progress and set priorities. Members are encouraged to promote PacNEL's work through their networks and joint communications.
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