Ecological Conflicts: Judicial and Non-Judicial Responses in Central Asia

Transnational ecological conflicts can result from cross-border environmental impacts such as biodiversity loss and water pollution, but can also arise from the localized activities of transnational actors (e.g., a multinational corporation or NGO operating transnationally, an international organization, etc.). In Central Asia, there are ecological conflicts being litigated at the national and international. For instance, in International Mining Company Invest v Kyrgyz Republic a U.S.-based mining company is seeking compensation for the Kyrgyzstan’s ban on uranium mining. In Kazakhstan, various claimsconcerning violations of environmental law are being heard in national tribunals. Consequently, there is an impending need to map Central Asia’s transnational ecological issues and to understand how judicial mechanisms are (not) being used.

We are hosting a webinar on the 30th of May, 10am-12pm (Brussels Time) to discuss ecological disputes arising from transboundary environmental harm and/or local environmental harm involving transnational actors. We are interested in understanding which ecological conflicts are underway and how the affected stakeholders are addressing them.

Our speakers will be:

- Dr. Willy Kempel, Ambassador of Austria to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (Panel Chair and Moderator).

- João Teixeira de Freitas, PhD Researcher, Free University of Brussels, How Transnational Ecological   Conflicts turn into Lawsuits: the role played by courts.

- Milla Cieszkowsky, PhD Researcher, Free University of Brussels, Judicial and Non-Judicial Remedies for Transnational Ecological Harms.

- Mrs. Assel Iskakova, Manager of legal services at Fortune Partners LLP, doctoral candidate at MNU, Environmental Litigation in Kazakhstan: Status Quo in Central Asia.

- Prof. Jessica Neafie, Assistant Professor at Nazarbayev University, A Critical Analysis of the Legal Regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Prevention and Elimination of Oil Spills.

- Erlan Galiyev, Director JSC National Geological Service, Title :TBC.

- Aisha Turebayeva. Director of Strategy & International Portfolio Management Department, JSC NC “KazMunayGas”, Corporate Social Responsibility for the Petroleum Sector in Kazakhstan.