Protected Areas and International Environmental Law

Along with the World Heritage Convention and the Convention on Migratory Species, a number of international organizations are responsible for creation, protection and management of large areas of land and water that serve a range of delicate or endangered plants, animals and landscapes. The international laws and regulations pertaining to these environments and organizations can be complex and vary substantially based upon location and situation. Researcher Gillespie covers both land and sea as he describes in detail the definitions, treaties, and expectations of the matrix of protected areas, starting with those from antiquity and working to international conventions on Antarctica, maritime affairs and specific species. He describes the classifications and definitions relating to protection, the values behind conventions, obligations of regulations (and gaps), management plans and operations, involvement of local populations, threats to success, compliance methods, financial assistance sources, and communications. The result is succinct and well-balanced. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Alexander Gillespie is Professor of Law, University of Waikato, New Zealand