Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide

The Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) is a non-governmental, public interest organization that advocates for the protection of the environment and public health through legal remedies worldwide. ELAW supports communities in their fight for clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet. The organization is a global alliance of lawyers, scientists, and other advocates who work across borders to create a sustainable and just future[2][5].

ELAW was founded in 1991 by lawyers from ten countries who met during a public interest law conference at the University of Oregon School of Law. This group recognized that communities in their countries faced similar environmental and human rights issues and decided to become more effective by sharing strategies and legal as well as scientific information[2].

ELAW offers a variety of services to strengthen the capacities of lawyers and their organizations:

• Legal Support: ELAW lawyers work closely with partners to initiate legal proceedings, review proposed laws, advance policies, and disseminate model rights. They identify global legal trends and share resources to promote collaboration among partners[3].
• Scientific Support: ELAW scientists provide comprehensive scientific assistance, including reviewing environmental impact assessments, preparing expert statements for courts, and supporting community education on technical matters[3].
• Economic Analyses: ELAW provides information on the comprehensive economic impacts of proposed projects so that communities can make informed decisions. This includes identifying subsidies and rebutting superficial economic arguments made by developers and governments[3].

ELAW has several core goals and initiatives:

• Environmental Justice: ELAW works to advance environmental justice by helping communities address environmental degradation and health hazards. This includes protecting biodiversity, climate action, and defending ecosystems[2][5].
• Capacity Building: Through grants and other programs, ELAW supports its partners in training and skill-building. This helps strengthen a global community of advocates who provide solidarity, mutual support, and inspiration to one another[3].
• Protection of Defenders: ELAW also advocates for the safety of environmental lawyers so they can work without fear of reprisals. The organization connects threatened lawyers with the resources they need to enhance their resilience and avert threats[3].

ELAW collaborates with partners in over 80 countries and has a long history of successful collaboration. The organization has achieved significant victories that have contributed to climate protection, the promotion of environmental justice, the defense of biodiversity, and the empowerment of community efforts[2][5].

The Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) is a powerful and dedicated organization that advocates for the protection of the environment and human rights worldwide. Through its comprehensive legal, scientific, and economic services, as well as its initiatives to empower communities and protect environmental lawyers, ELAW makes a significant contribution to achieving a sustainable and just future.

• 1 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Law_Alliance_Worldwide
• 2 - https://elaw.org/about
• 3 - https://elaw.org/what-we-do
• 4 - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3116602
• 5 - https://elaw.org